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_ 3pular Official Guide
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!n loo logical
By
WILLIAM T. HORNADAY, Sc.D.
Director and General Curator
MAPS, PLANS AND ILLUSTRATIONS
J?ork Zoological
ONLY AUTHORIZED GUIDE
Price 25 Cents
BISON EDITION. COMPLETELY REVISED AND EXTENDED
GEISEI. LIERARY
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO
r> U JOLLA, CAUFORN^
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POPULAR OFFICIAL GUIDE
TO THE
New York Zoological Park
By WILLIAM T. HORN AD AY, Sc.D.
Director and General Curator
WITH MAPS, PLANS AND ILLUSTRATIONS
TENTH EDITION— OCTOBER 1, 1909
NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY
1 1 WALL STREET, NEW YORK
1st Edition,
October,
1899 —
3000
2d
May,
1900 —
5000
3d
December,
1900 —
5000
4th
October,
1901 —
3000
5th
June,
1902 —
100CO
6;h
"
1903 —
10COO
7th
"
1904 —
15000
8th
"
1906 —
7000
9th
«
1907 —
30000
10th
October,
1909 —
30000
COPYRIGHT, 1899, 1900, 1901, 1902, 1903, 1904, 1906, 1907 and
NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY
preface
The publication of this revised and extended edition of
the Guide to the Zoological Park was purposely delayed a
year, in order to make the work more complete. By
slightly anticipating the completion of the Elephant House,
Zebra Houses and Eagle Aviary, and including them herein,
we are now able to offer a Guide Book to the Zoological
Park as practically completed.
The visitor is not to understand, however, that with the
completion of the features named above nothing more will
remain to be done. An institution of this kind never
reaches a state of absolute completion, with no further
possibilities of improvement. But the building of boundary
walls, and the rebuilding of temporary entrances, are mat-
ters of small amount in comparison with the completion of
a grand series of installations for animals, and buildings
for public comfort.
Few indeed are the persons who know, or who ever will
know, the extent to which both the general design and the
details of the Zoological Park have been originated, and
hammered out of the raw materials. From the inception
of the undertaking, the work of development has involved
a continuous struggle to meet new conditions. Although
precedents and models for things to be done were sought
far and wide, in all save a very few instances, our needs
were so peculiar, and so different from those of other
zoological gardens and parks, we have found really very
little that we could copy. The abundant-room idea on
which the Zoological Park was founded, and our desire for
the full utilization of the works of nature, have from the
first taxed the creative faculties of the Society to the ut-
most.
It has been gratifying to find in other zoological estab-
lishments a number of features which we could utilize here,
thereby saving ourselves something in the eternal grind of
invention and experiment, and we have gladly made prom-
inent mention of such cases.
While it is possible to complete the equipment of animal
installations, for a Zoological Park, and fill them with fine
collections, the demand for more animals is continuous.
VI PREFACE
Our wild creatures are not immortal ; and, like human be-
ings, they live out their allotted lives and pass away. The
great majority do not perpetuate themselves in captivity,
and the depleted ranks must be filled by new gifts and
new purchases. Gifts of specimens, and funds for pur-
chases, must constantly be forthcoming.
The Executive Committee makes grateful acknowledg-
ment of the loyal and generous support it has constantly
received from the Board of Managers and the members of
the Zoological Society, and from the Government of the
City of New York. Thanks to a judicious union of these
forces, the development of the Zoological Park has gone
forward rapidly and satisfactorily. Although the actual
period of construction has been remarkably short for so vast
an undertaking, everything constructed is of the most per-
manent character. It is only just to note the fact that
while the Zoological Park is an institution of national in-
terest and importance, and free to all the world, with the
exception of a few gifts of animals it has been created and
is maintained wholly by the citizens of the City of New
York. The State has contributed nothing.
THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.
Contents
Page
Statistics of the Zoological Park x
Origin 1
Means of Access 4
Admission 4
Physical Aspect of the Grounds 9
MAMMALS.
The Bison 15
Mountain Sheep Hill 18
The Antelope House 23
The Small-Deer House 30
The Mountain Goat 36
The Prong-Horned Antelope .• 37
The Camels 40
The Llamas and their relatives 41
The North American Deer 42
The Zebra Houses 47
The Asiatic and European Deer 50
The Lion House 54
The Sea-Lion Pool 60
The Primate House 63
The Elephant House 73
The Wolves and Foxes 83
The Otter Pools 85
The Small-Mammal House 87
The Pumas and Lynxes 99
The Burrowing Rodents 100
The Prairie-Dogs 102
The Bear Dens 103
The Beaver Pond 112
BIRDS.
The Duck Aviary 115
The Flying Cage 120
The Aquatic Bird House 125
Wild Turkey Enclosure 130
The Large Bird-House 130
Wild-Fowl Pond 136
The Pheasant Aviary 136
The Ostrich House 142
The Cranes 147
REPTILES.
The Reptile House 151
The Tortoises and Lizards 153
The Alligators and Crocodiles 156
The Serpents 159
MAPS.
Map of Zoological Park (Cover) 2
Sketch Map, New York 3
Sketch Map, Vicinity of Park 5
Index 167
vii
3JUuHtrattmui
Page
Indian Leopard Frontispiece
Rocking Stone and Restaurant xii
Dining Room, Restaurant 6
The Flying Cage 10
The Boat-House 12
American Bison 16
European Bison 17
Himalayan Tahr 22
Sardinian Mouflon 23
Nubian Giraffes 25
White-Tailed Gnu 27
White Mountain Goats 37
Grant's Zebra 48
Prjevalsky Horses 49
Barbary Lion 55
Jaguar 57
Primate House 62
Orang-Utan 66
Chimpanzee 68
Gelada Baboon 70
Red-Headed Mangabev 71
Ruffed Lemur 72
Indian Elephant 74
African Rhinoceros 77
Hippopotamus 78
South American Tapir 79
Tasmanian Wolf 82
Young Leopard 86
Ocelot 88
Hyaena Dog 90
African Porcupine 93
Canada Porcupine 95
Nine-Banded Armadillo 96
Echidna 97
Great Ant-Eater 98
Bear Dens 104
European Brown Bear 110
Long-Lipped Sloth Bear 112
Great White Pelican 115
Water Birds 116
Upland Goose 118
Coscoroba Swans 119
Great White Heron 123
Gyrfalcon 127
Spectacle Owl 129
Sulphur-Crested Cockatoo 132
Toco Toucan 134
Manchurian Eared Pheasant 138
Golden Pheasant 139
Ceram Cassowary 143
Paradise Crane and Crowned Crane 148
Whooping Crane 149
Alligators 150
Group of Tortoises 154
Florida Crocodile 157
Fer-de-Lance 160
Copperhead Snake 161
Cobra-de-Capello 162
Transformation of Frog .163
ix
gtfaitstta 0f % Znnlorjtntl
JULY 15, 1909.
Final plan of the Zoological Park approved by Park Board,
November 22, 1897.
Zoological Society assumed control of grounds, July 1, 1898.
First building begun, August 11, 1898.
Park formally opened to the public, November 9, 1899.
Large Animal Buildings (all heated) 11
Small Animal Buildings (4 heated) 10
Large Groups of Outdoor Dens, Aviaries and Corrals 12
Animal Storehouses, for winter use 3
Restaurants 2
Public-Comfort Buildings 6
Entrances 8
Area of Park Land and Water 264 acres
Area of Water 30 acres
Walks and Roads 7.78 miles
Fences 10.55 miles
LIVE ANIMALS IN THE COLLECTIONS ON
JULY 15, 1909.
Mammals 246 species, 743 specimens.
Birds 644 " 2,816
Reptiles 256 " 1,969
Total 1,146 5,528
Attendance of visitors in 1908 1,413,741
5j>ro fork Z0uio0tral
Hox. GEORGE B. McCLELLAN, Mayor.
HON. HENRY SMITH, President Department of Parks.
HENRY FAIRFIELD OSBORN.
txrrutiur (Euwmitlrr
MADISON GRANT, Chairman.
JOHN S. BARNES, WILLIAM WHITE NILES,
PERCY R. PYNE, WM. PIERSON HAMILTON,
SAMUEL THORNE, HENRY F. OSBORN, ex-officio.
MADISON GRANT, Secretary, Office, 11 Wall Street.
PERCY R. PYNE, Treasurer, 30 Pine Street.
JOHN L. CADWALADER, Counsel.
©ffirmi 0f ilj* Zoological Park
WILLIAM T. HORNADAY, Sc.D.
Director and General Curator.
H. R. MITCHELL, Chief Clerk and Disbursing Officer.
RAYMOND L. DITMARS, Curator of Reptiles, Ass't Curator
of Mammals.
C. WILLIAM BEEBE, Curator of Birds.
H. W. MERKEL, Chief Forester and Constructor.
GEORGE M. BEERBOWER, Civil Engineer.
ELWIN R. SANBORN, Photographer and Assistant Editor.
WILLIAM I. MITCHELL, Assistant to Chief Clerk.
Staff
W. REID BLAIR, D.V.S., Veterinarian.
HARLOW BROOKS, M.D., Pathologist.
atto lEttginwr
HEINS & LA FARGE, Architects.
H. DF.B. PARSONS, Consulting Engineer.
GENERAL STATUS
OP THE ZOOLOGICAL PARK.
Origin. — The New York Zoological Park originated with
the New York Zoological Society, a scientific body incor-
porated in 1895, under a special charter granted by the
Legislature of the State of New York. The declared objects
of the Society are three in number — "A public Zoological
Park ; the preservation of our native animals ; the promotion
of zoology." At present (January 1, 1909), the Society con-
sists of 1 Benefactor, 3 Founders in Perpetuity, 23 Founders,
13 Associate Founders, 38 Patrons, 189 Life Members, 1,397
Annual Members and 14 Corresponding Members.
Henry Fairfield Osborn is the President of the Society.
The affairs of the Society are managed by a Board of Mana-
gers of thirty-six persons, which meets three times each
year. The planning and general development of the Zoo-
logical Society is in the hands of an Executive Committee,
of eight members as follows; Madison Grant, John S.
Barnes, Percy R. Pyne, Samuel Thorne, William White
Niles, Levi P. Morton, Wm. Pierson Hamilton and Henry
Fairfield Osborn, ex officio, Madison Grant is Chairman of the
Executive Committee and Secretary of the Society, and his
office is at No. 11 Wall Street. Dr. William T. Hornaday
is the Director and General Curator of the Zoological Park,
and the offices of the Zoological Park staff are at present
located in the Service Building. The address is 183d Street
and Southern Boulevard. The Society assumed control
of the grounds on July 1, 1898, and began the first excava-
tion, for the Bird House, on August llth. The Park Depart-
ment began work, on the Wild-Fowl Pond, on August 29,
1898.
Sources of Income. — The funds devoted to the develop-
ment of the Zoological Park have been derived from the
following sources:
1. From the Zoological Society, obtained by subscriptions
from private citizens — funds for plans, for the erection of
buildings, aviaries, dens and other accommodations for
animals; and for the purchase of animals.
2. From the City of New York — by vote of the Board of
Estimate and Apportionment — funds for the construction of
1
2 POPULAR OFFICIAL GUIDE.
walks, roads, sewers and drainage, water supply, public com-
fort buildings, entrances, grading, excavating of large ponds
and lakes, annual maintenance, and also for animal build-
ings.
Up to January 1, 1909, the Zoological Society had ex-
pended, of its own funds, for plans, construction and live
animals, about $400,000, which had been derived from its
special subscription fund, and from the annual dues and
fees of its members.
Privileges. — Because of the fact that the Zoological Soci-
ety has undertaken to furnish all the animals for the Zoolog-
ical Park, the City of New York has agreed that all the
revenue-producing privileges of the Park shall be controlled
by the Society. All net. profits derived from the restaurants,
boats, refreshments, riding animals, the sale of photographs,
books, etc., and all admission fees, are expended by the
Society in the purchase of animals for -the Park. It is well
that visitors should know . that all net profits realised in
'the Park go directly toward the increase of- the animal collec-
tions. . ...
The Society will maintain a supply of boats for hire, and
riding animals of various -kinds for the amusement of chil-
dren.
Location. — The Zoological Park is the geographical cen-
ter of that portion of Greater New York known as the Bor-
ough of Bronx. From east to west it is half-way between
the Hudson Rivet and Long Island Sound, and from north
to south it is midway between the mouth of the Harlem
River and Mount Vernoii. From the City Hall to the Reptile
House the distance is eleven miles. The northwest entrance
is about half a mile from Fordham station on the Harlem
Railway.
The area of the Park is 264 acres, divided as follows:
Land area west of the Boston Road 150 acres.
Land area east of the Boston Road 80 "
Bronx Lake. ........... :.. 25 "
Lake Agassiz . 5y2 ' '
Aquatic Mammals' Pond, Cope Lake and
Beaver Pond . . 3V2 ' '
Total area . . 264 acres.
SKETCH >IAp SHOWING LOCATION OF ZOOLOGICAL PARK,
POPULAR OFFICIAL GUIDE.
MEANS OF ACCESS.
Via the Subway, to the Boston Road Entrance.— The ter-
minus of the eastern branch of the Subway, at "180th St.,
Bronx Park," lands visitors at the southeastern entrances
to the Zoological Park, at West Farms. Visitors from
points below 96th Street must be careful to board the
"Bronx Park" trains, and not the "Broadway" trains.
Via the Third Avenue Elevated.— The Third' Avenue Ele-
vated Railway has been extended to Bedford Park, and
visitors coming to the Zoological Park should alight at Ford-
ham Station, from which the northwest entrance is half a
mile distant, due eastward, on Pelham Avenue, via the
Union Railway surface cars.
"The Green Cars." — From Fordham and High Bridge,
and also from the corner of Third Avenue and 180th Street,
the green trolley cars of the new Interborough line pass the
Crotona, (southwest) Entrance and run within one block of
the Fordham Entrance.
Via the Harlem Railroad.— Another way to reach the Park
from lower New York is to take the Harlem Railroad from
the Grand Central Station to Fordham Station (twenty-five
cents for the round trip), from whence a carriage may be
taken to the Park at a fare of twenty-five cents for each
person. The running time between Fordham and 42d Street
is about twenty-five minutes.
Routes for Automobiles or Carriages. — Via Central Park,
Lenox Avenue, Macomb 's Dam Bridge and Jerome or Wash-
ington Avenues to Pelham Avenue, thence eastward to the
Concourse Entrance, where motor cars are admitted to the
Park.
ADMISSION.
Free Admission. — On all holidays, and on Sunday, Tues-
day, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, the Zoological Park
is open free to the public.
Pay Admission. — On every Monday and Thursday, save
when either of those days falls on a holiday, all members of
the Zoological Society who exhibit their membership tickets,
and all other persons holding tickets from the Society will
be admitted free. All other persons seeking admission will
be admitted on payment of twenty-five cents for each adult,
and fifteen cents for each child under twelve years of age.
Tickets are sold only at the entrance gates.
NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK. 5
Holidays on Pay Days.— Whenever a legal holiday falls
on a Monday or Thursday, admission to the Park will be
free on that day.
Hours for Opening and Closing. — From May 1st to No-
vember 1st the gates will be opened at 9 A. M. daily, and
closed half an hour before sunset. From November 1st to
May 1st the gates Avill open at 10 A. M.
Entrances, Walks, etc.— The portion of the Zoological
Park situated west of the Boston Road has been enclosed.
Access to this area is provided by six entrances, one situated
at each corner — one on the Boston Road and one at the
bridge on Pelham Avenue. The latter is a carriage entrance
for visitors wishing to drive to the north end of Baird
Court. From all these entrances broad walks lead into the
Park and through it, reaching all the collections of animals
now installed. From December 1, to April 1, the Bronxdalc
Entrance, at the Boston Road Bridge will be closed.
Carriage Roads. — The only wagon road which enters the
central portion of the Park now occupied by animals is the
Service Road, which enters from the Southern Boulevard,
half-way between 183d and 184th Streets, and runs east-
ward, to the Service Building, Reptile House, Bear Dens,
and Rocking Stone Restaurant.
This road is for business purposes only, and is not open for
the vehicles of visitors. It is utterly impossible to admit
SKETCH MAP SHOWING VICINITY OP PAHK.
NEW TORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK. 7
carriages to the center of the Park, save those of officers
entering on business, and visitors must not ask for exceptions
to this very necessary rule
A fine public carriage road and concourse, leading from
Pelham Avenue Bridge and to the upper end of Baird Court,
Avill be completed in 1907. This will be open to carriages,
daily, and it will give easy access to the most important
group of buildings. It is subject to the same regulations as
all other entrances, except that carriages and automobiles
are admitted.
The Boston Road, which runs through fcho Park from
south to north, near the western bank of the Bronx Lake, is
open at all hours. It has recently— and for the first time —
been finely improved by the Park Department for the Bor-
ough of the Bronx, and a drive through it affords a fine
view of the eastern side of the Buffalo Range, and the finest
portion of the heavy forest of the Zoological Park.
As a matter of course, the ranges of the buffalo, antelope,
deer, moose, and elk, are in full view from the Kingsbridge
Road and Southern Boulevard, and the Zoological Society
has planned that the view from those avenues shall be left
open sufficiently that the herds may be seen to good ad-
vantage.
The Rocking Stone Restaurant, No. 46, has been designed
to serve all the purposes that its name implies. It contains
dining-rooms in which full meals may be obtained, lunch-
rooms wherein choice food will be served at popular prices,
and in the basement, toilet-rooms will be found.
The Service Building, No. 28.— Near the Reptile House,
and at the geographical center of the enclosed grounds, is
situated a building which contains the Bureau of Adminis-
tration of the Zoological Park. Here will be found the offices
of the Director, Chief Clerk and several other Park officers,
workshops and storerooms.
Children lost in the Park, and property lost or found,
should be reported without delay at the Chief Clerk's office
in this building. The telephone call of the Zoological Park
is 953 Tremont.
Wheeled Chairs.— By persons desiring them, wheeled
chairs can always be obtained at the entrances, by applying
to gatekeepers, or at the office of the Chief Clerk, in the
Service Building. The cost is 25 cents per hour; with an
attendant, 50 cents per hour.
Arrangement of Collections.— Inasmuch as the physical
features of the Zoological Park grounds were important fac-
8 POPULAR OFFICIAL GUIDE.
tors in locating the various collections of animals, a perfect
zoological arrangement was impossible. The existing plan
represents the limit of acceptable possibilities in grouping
related animals.
The entire southern and western sides of the Park are
exclusively devoted to the Hoofed Animals, in addition to
which other members of that Order will be found at the
Elephant , arid Small-Mammal Houses. The Carnivorous
Animals.*will; be; found ~at the Lion House, Wolf and Fox
Densf Small-Mammal House and Bear Dens. The Birds are
'in two' groups"; one in the lower end of Bird Valley, and the
Large Bird House on Baird Court : the other around the
Wild-Fowl Pond, south of the Wolf Dens.
The existence of six entrances to the Park renders it im-
possible to lay out an all-embracing "tour" for the visitor,
and develop the Guide Book accordingly. The various col-
lections will be handled in zoological groups, but the various
groups cannot follow each other in zoological sequence. The
table of contents (pages vii and viii) and a comprehensive
index will render each item of the subject matter quickly
available.
PHYSICAL ASPECT OF THE GROUNDS.
The extreme length of the Park from north to south is
4-,950 feet, or 330 feet less than one mile; and its extreme
width is 3,120 feet, or three-fifths of a mile. Roughly es-
timated, one-third of the land area is covered by heavy
forest, one-third by open forest, and the remaining third con-
sists of open meadows and glades. The highest point of
land in the Park is the crest of Rocking Stone Hill, the
elevation of which is is 94.8 feet above sea level.
Topography.— Speaking broadly, the Zoological Park is
composed of granite ridges running from north to south.
In many places their crests have been denuded of earth by
the great glacier which once pushed its edge as far south as
New York City. In the valleys lying between these glacier-
scraped ridges, great quantities of sandy, micaceous soil
have been deposited ; but in one spot — the Wild-Fowl Pond
— what was once a green, glacial lake fifteen feet deep, pres-
ently became a vast rock-walled silo filled with vegetable
matter and a trembling bog of peat. Everywhere in the Park
glacial bowlders of rough granite or smoothly rounded trap-
rock, varying in size from a cobble-stone to the thirty-ton
Rocking Stone, have been dropped just where the warm
southern sun freed them from the ice. The Park contains
thousands of them, many of which have been removed from
walks and building sites only with great labor.
In three of the four principal valleys of the Park, bogs
have been converted into ponds, and in the largest and deep-
est of all lie Bronx Lake and Lake Agassiz. The bed-rock
underlying or cropping out in the Park exhibits pink gran-
ite, gray granite, rotten gneiss, and quartz in bewildering
variety. Occasionally in trench-digging a ledge is encount-
ered which yields good building-stone for rough work, but
usually our rock is so full of mica as to be worthless.
The water-levels in the various portions of the Park are
as follows
Above Sea Level.
Surface of Bronx Lake 20.40 feet
Surface of Lake Agassiz 31.70
Surface of Cope Lake and Duck Ponds. . 47.00 '
Surface of Wild-Fowl Pond 65.00 '
Surface of Beaver Pond. . . 44.00 "
NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARR. 11
The floor levels of some of the important buildings are as
follows :
Above Sea Level.
Of the Antelope House 88 feet
Of the Reptile House 78 '
Of the Lion House 64 '
Of the Aquatic Bird House 57 '
Soil. — The soil varies from rich black muck in the valleys,
to light and very dry soil, full of mica and sand, on the
ridges and meadows. Where not packed hard, the latter is
very porous, and the heaviest rainfall is quickly absorbed,
or carried away on the surface. As a result, the valleys are
always moist and rich in grass, and the slopes arid ridges
are always dry and warm.
Streams and Ponds. — The Zoological Park contains about
34 acres of still water, of which Bronx Lake comprises 25
acres, Lake Agassiz 5y2 acres, Cope Lake, the Wild-Fowl
Pond, and Beaver Pond together, about 3% acres. The
two larger lakes are fed by the Bronx River, which drains
a valley about 15 miles long. Even in the driest seasons the
volume of water carried down by the Bronx River is suffi-
cient to keep the lakes well filled. The areas of still water
available for animal collections are very generous for an
institution like this, and are highly prized.
The Waterfall. — At the lower end of Lake Agassiz, and
about 300 feet above the Boston Road Bridge, is a natural
waterfall nearly 12 feet in height, where the Bronx River
falls over a rugged ledge of pink granite. In times of high
water the foaming flood that thunders over the rocks makes
an imposing spectacle, and it constitutes a most unusual
feature to be found in a city park. During the year 1901,
an improvement was made which added very greatly to the
beauty of this feature by extending the rock ledge about
200 feet farther, to the rocky side of Wilson Hill, thereby
greatly increasing the water area of Lake Agassiz, and at the
same time forming a beautiful island.
Forests. — The crowning glory of the Zoological Park is
the magnificent forest growth which covers, thickly or
sparsely, about two-thirds of its land area. It consists chiefly
of white, scarlet, black, red and pin oaks, tulip, sweet gum,
hickory, beech, sassafras, maple, wild cherry, hornbeam, dog-
wood, tupelo, hemlock and cedar; but there are at least
thirty other species of trees and shrubs. Thanks to the
wise foresight and broad views of David and Philip Lydig,
NEW TORE ZOOLOGICAL PARK. 13
who for about eighty years were the sole owners of nearly
the whole of the Zoological Park site, the virgin forest was
not cut down for firewood or lumber, but was carefully pre-
served for posterity. As the legal custodian of this splendid
domain of Nature, the Zoological Society is as rapidly as
possible going over the entire forest, to arrest decay and
death, and take all needed measures for the preservation of
the trees. It is safe to say that nowhere else within fifty
miles of New York can there be found any more beautiful
forests than those in the central and eastern portions of the
Park, which, let it be borne in mind, are to be kept open for
visitors to wander through at all hours, save those of dark-
ness.
The Rocking Stone, (No. 45), a colossal cube of pinkish
granite, poised on one of its angles on a smooth pedestal of
rock, is the Zoological Park's most interesting souvenir of
the glacial epoch. Across the bare face of the rocky hill
in which lies the Crocodile Pool, there are several glacial
scratches pointing directly toward the famous bowlder ; and
who will say it had no part in making one of them?
The Rocking Stone stands on a smooth table of granite on
the southern shoulder of the hill overlooking the Buffalo
Range. Its extreme height is 7 feet 6 inches; breadth, 10
feet 1 inch ; thickness, 8 feet 1 inch, and its weight, as roughly
calculated, is 30 tons. A pressure of about 50 Ibs. exerted on
the most northern angle of the stone causes its apex to swing
north and south about two inches.
SECTION I.— THE MAMMALS.
THE HOOFED ANIMALS.
The forming of a collection which shall fairly represent
the hoofed animals of the world is necessarily a work of
years. It is now (in 1907) eight years since the Zoological
Society entered upon this task, and during that period the
work of providing installations and living specimens has
been pursued wth unflagging industry. In no feature of
our development has the Society been more liberal than in
the purchase of specimens for this collection, and the gifts
to it have been both numerous and valuable. In our 66
species and 256 specimens we feel that the Order Ungulata
is strongly represented. On May 1, 1907, the summary of
groups stood as follows:
SUMMARY OF THE UNGULATES.
Deer 20 species 124 specimens
Antelopes 16
Wild Sheep, Goats, etc 8
Giraffes 1
Bison, etc 3
Camels and Cameloids 5
Wild Equines 4
Elephants 3
Tapirs 1
Rhinoceros 2
Hippopotamus 1
Wild Swine.. 2
27
L'o
2i
2
46
12
7
4
2
3
1
3
Total 66 256
The arrangement of this section of the Guide Book begins
at the Buffalo Entrance with the Bisons, and follows the
ranges, corrals and buildings for Hoofed Animals, along
the southern and western sides of the Park, to the Axis Deer
Range. The Elephant House is introduced as the visitor
leaves Baird Court, going south.
The large, open pastures are called "ranges," and the
smaller fenced enclosures are known as "corrals." The
fences are chiefly of hard steel wire, so strong and elastic
that the animals cannot break through them.
u
NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK. 15
Warning. — Visitors must never stand close beside a wire
fence, because its elasticity between posts might enable a
charging animal to strike a person so standing and inflict
a serious injury, even though the fence is not in the least
affected by the blow.
THE BUFFALO RANGES, Nos. 51 and 52.
Stretching from the Boston Road to the large Antelope
House (No. 50), and from the Rocking Stone to the southern
boundary, lies an open expanse of rolling meadow land, with
a total area of about twenty acres. It is almost surrounded
by shade-trees. Its easterly edge is a low-lying strip of rich
meadow, which lies under the shelter of the rocky, tree-
covered ridge that forms the natural retaining wall of the
higher plateau toward the west. This is the Buffalo Range.
It is the first enclosure seen on the left as the visitor enters
the Park from West Farms by way of the Boston Road.
On the north side of the main range, near the Rocking
Stone (No. 45), are the four corrals, and the Buffalo House.
The latter is a rustic hillside barn, eighty feet in length,
with a semicircular front, affording shelter and feed stor-
age for twenty-five buffaloes. The flat roof of the Buffalo
House is open to the public from the main walk, and has
been specially designed as a convenient lookout over the
main range and corrals. There are other corrals, and a
shelter shed, at the "Buffalo Entrance."
The American Bison, or Buffalo, (B. americanus), is the
largest and the best known of all North American hoofed
animals. What was once the universal herd, which occu-
pied the whole pasture region of the West, was cut in twain
in 1867, by the building of the first trans-continental rail-
way. The great "southern herd," of several millions of
animals, was destroyed by skin hunters during the years
1871, 1872, 1873, and 1874, and the practical extinction of
the northern herd was accomplished between 1880 and
3884.
At present there are but two herds of wild buffaloes in
existence. The largest band, now containing by estimate
about 300 individuals, inhabits a wide stretch of barren
and inhospitable territory southwest of Great Slave Lake.
About twenty head remain in the Yellowstone Park, more
16
POPULAR OFFICIAL GUIDE.
AMERICAN BISON.
than nine-tenths of the original herd having been slaught-
ered by poachers since 1890. There are about twelve hun-
dred buffaloes alive in captivity, chiefly in large private
game preserves.
Usually buffalo calves are born in May, June, and July.
Full maturity is not reached until the end of the seventh
year, when the horns of the male — at first a straight
spike — have attained their full semicircular curve. Like
all thick-haired animals of the temperate zone, the buffalo
sheds its coat in spring, and does not regain full pelage
until October or November.
The buffalo breeds in confinement about as readily as
domestic cattle. In appearance, it is the most imposing of
all bovine animals, and with two exceptions it is also the
largest. In captivity its disposition is mild, though inclined
to stubbornness. Occasionally, however, an old bull be-
comes so vicious that it is necessary to seclude him from
the herd, and treat him as a dangerous animal.
With the exception of a very few individuals, our entire
Buffalo Herd is the gift of the late William C. Whitney,
and the increase therefrom. The total number of head on
hand on January 1, 1907, was thirty-eight.
In 1906, the New York Zoological Society presented to the
NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK.
17
United States Government a herd of fifteen buffaloes, to
serve as a nucleus for an independent national herd. The
Government is at this date fencing an area of twelve square
miles of fine grazing grounds in the Wichita Forest and
Game Reserve, for the proper reception of the herd. The
plan will be consummated during 1907. The number of
births in our Park Buffalo herd has rendered this gift pos-
sible.
European Bison. — In a corral adjoining the Buffalo En-
trance, on the Boston Road, are to be found two specimens
of the rare and almost extinct European Bison, (Bos bona-
sus). This species is the nearest living relative of the
American bison, and the two specimens (male and female),
now exhibited, came quite unexpectedly into the possession
of the Zoological Society in April. 1904. They were ac-
quired from the small captive herd in the forest of the
Prince of Pless, in Silesia, south-eastern Germany, and are
the first living specimens of the species to be exhibited in
America. They were presented to the Society by Mr. Nor-
man James, of Baltimore, Mr. Charles Sheldon and Dr.
Leonard J. Sanford.
18 POPULAR OFFICIAL GUIDE.
The distinguishing characters of this species are shorter
and less abundant hair on the head, neck and shoulders
than our bison, a tail densely covered with hair throughout
its length, very long legs, and a short body.
But for royal protection, this species would long ere this
have become extinct. In the year 1857, about 1,898 head
were living, but in 1892 the total had decreased to 491. It
appears, however, that an increase can safely be announced.
An estimate recently published (1906) places the total
number of wild and semi-wild individuals at 1.400, while
in the captive herds of the Czar and the Prince of Pless
there are 46 more. About 700 of the survivors inhabit the
forests of Bielowitza and Swisslotsch, Lithuania, west Rus-
sia, and are strictly protected by the Czar. Other bands
still exist on the northern slope of the Caucasus Mountains
around the sources of the Laba and Bjellaja, sometimes
ranging up to an elevation of 8.000 feet. Wherever found,
they live in scattered bands of from three to ten indi-
viduals. All the survivors of this species are so jealously
guarded that very few of the zoological gardens of Europe
have been able to procure specimens.
This animal is very often miscalled the "aurochs." and
from this error much confusion has arisen. The true aur-
ochs. (Bos primigenius}, was the wild progenitor of some
of the existing breeds of domestic cattle, but it is now
extinct.
MOUNTAIN SHEEP HILL, No. 44.
The wild sheep and goats of the world form an exceed-
ingly interesting group of animals. In form they are odd
and picturesque, and in temper and mentality they are
everything that could be desired. All the year round, deer
are either nervous or dangerous, and difficult to handle.
Wild sheep, goats and ibex appreciate man's interest in
them, and even when not fond of attention, they act sen-
sibly when it is necessary to handle them.
The Zoological Park collection of wild sheep and goats is
one of the most interesting features of the Park. Mountain
Sheep Hill is the first high ridge west of the Rocking Stone,
and its northern end is very near the Bear Dens and Reptile
House. It consists of a ridge of pink granite 500 feet long
and 25 feet high, its southern end fully exposed, but the
NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK. 19
northern end well shaded by oaks and cedars. For grazing
animals that love to climb, and pose on the sky line, the
slopes of bare rock, set in patches of hard, green turf, are
almost ideal. In the eastern face of the ridge, rock excava-
tions have been made, and five roomy caves have been con-
structed in such a manner that they are cool in summer,
warm in winter, and dry at all times. On January 1, 1907
the six wire enclosures on Mountain Sheep Hill contained
the following species:
Suleiman Markhor. Persian Wild Goat.
Arcal Mountain Sheep. Himalayan Tahr.
Mouflon. Aoudad.
Because of the curious (and unaccountable) fact that
they do not thrive on Mountain Sheep Hill, the Rocky
Mountain Goat and Chamois are exhibited elsewhere. The
former will be found near the Pheasant Aviary, and the
latter at the Small-Deer House.
Visitors are requested to make note of the fact that in
winter, the Arcal Sheep, Mouflon, and other delicate sheep
are exhibited in the Small-Deer House.
The Musk-Ox, (Ovibos moschatus], was one of the rarest
and most noteworthy animals thus far acquired by the
Zoological Park. It was the first living specimen of its
species to reach civilization in America. The Society was
indeed fortunate in securing thus early in its history a fine
specimen of this very rare and zoologically interesting spe-
cies. It was exhibited in the most northerly enclosure of
Mountain Sheep Hill, where it was placed by reason of its
requirements, and not because the animal was considered
a "musk-sheep." Although it died in 1902, an entry for
this species is included because we may at any time secure
another specimen.
The Musk-Ox is an animal of very strange form, inhabit-
ing a small portion of the Arctic regions of the western hemi-
sphere, up to the very northernmost points of land east of the
Mackenzie River. At Fort Conger (Latitude 81°, 40'),
its flesh was a godsend to General Greely, and later on to
Commander Peary, also. Structurally, this animal stands
in a genus of its own (Ovibos}, midway between the cattle
and the sheep, but it is unqualifiedly a misnomer to call it
a "musk-sheep."
An adult male Musk-Ox stands 4 ft. 5 in. high at the
shoulders, is 6 ft. 7 in. in total length, and weighs "about
20 POPULAR OFFICIAL GUIDE.
1,200 pounds." Our first specimen was a female, two years
old. She stood 3 ft. 2 in. high at the shoulders, and was
4 ft. 10 in. in total length. Her entire body was covered
by a dense mass of fine light brown hair, of a woolly nature,
overlaid by a thatch of very long, straight hair specially
designed to shed rain.
The Musk-Ox inhabits the Barren Grounds of northern
Canada north of Latitude 64° from Great Bear Lake to
Hudson Bay, Grant Land, and the northeast coast of Green-
land from Franz Josef Fiord (Latitude 70°) to the most
northerly point of laud. About twenty living specimens
have been taken when very young at Franz Josef Fiord,
by Swedish and Norwegian whaling parties. The Peary
Arctic Club, of New York, presented to the New York
Zoological Society a young calf which was captured by
Commander Peary at Fort Conger, in 1902, but it lived
only a few months.
The Big-Horn Mountain Sheep, (Ovis canadensis), is
intermittently exhibited in the Zoological Park, but in
January, 1907, it chanced to be absent. The efforts that
have been made in New York, Philadelphia, Washington
and Chicago to acclimatize the Big-Horn of the Rocky
Mountains have proven the extreme difficulty involved in
keeping specimens of that species anywhere in the Missis-
sippi Valley, or on the Atlantic coast. The changes of at-
mosphere and temperature seem more violent than Amer-
ican mountain sheep are fitted by nature to endure, and
thus far all specimens tried have died within a compara-
tively few months.
In his own country, the Rocky Mountain Big-Horn is a
bold, hardy and robust animal. H j is high-headed, keen-
sighted, and a sure-footed mountaineer. He dwells in the
wildest and most picturesque country that he can find be-
tween the "bad-lands" of western North Dakota and the
line of perpetual snow on the Rockies. His massive cir-
cling horns render his head a much-coveted trophy, and his
flesh is most excellent food. A full-grown ram (Ovis cana-
densis} stands 41 inches in height at the shoulders, and
weighs 316 pounds.
This species ranges from the northern states of Mexico
to northern British Columbia and it culminates (i. e.,
reaches its finest development) in southeastern British Co-
lumbia. A female specimen from the last-named region was
exhibited in the Zoological Park during 1905 and 1906 :
NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK. 21
and in 1902, a male specimen of a closely related species
(Ovis nclsoni) was also here.
As opportunities offer to procure male specimens that
have been kept in their home region until they are at least
a year and a half old, they will be purchased and exhibited.
The Mouflon, (Om musimon), or Wild Sheep of Sar-
dinia, is represented by a fine pair of specimens presented
by Maurice Egerton. Esq., of London, and a young male
born in the Park. The female of the adult pair was cap-
tured when a lamb in the mountains of Sardinia by Mr.
Egerton. The ram of this species is handsomely colored,
and this specimen is noted for his friendliness, and his fond-
ness for admiration.
The Arcal Mountain Sheep, (Ovis cycloceros), is one of
the smallest mountain sheep of India of the "big-horn"
type (with circling horns). The fully adult male, with its
long undermane of coarse, shaggy hair and proud postures,
is a very noteworthy creature. This species inhabits the
mountains of northern India, Tibet, Afghanistan, Beluchistan
and southern Persia.
The Burrhel, or Blue Mountain Sheep, (Ovis burrhel),
also of northern India, is of quite a different mould from
the preceding species. Its countenance has almost a benign
expression, and its curious out-pointing horns, of large size
give it a most jaunty air. By some it is regarded as the
most beautiful of all mountain sheep. In size, however, it
is not imposing, for it is one of the smallest species. It is
not so hardy as the preceding species, and there may be
periods when there are no specimens on exhibition.
The Aoudad, or Barbary Wild Sheep, (Ovis tragclaphus],
comes from the hot, dry mountains of northern Africa, and
it endures the cold, wet climate of New York in a manner
sufficient to put to shame our American mountain sheep,
goat and other western ruminants. The largest male Aou-
dad of our herd is a very fine specimen of its kind. He is
as fond of admiration as any peacock, and often poses in
striking attitudes on the highest point of his rocks. He
was born here on March 19, 1902.
The Himalayan Tahr, (Hemitragns jemlaicus), is really
a wild goat, of very odd and picturesque aspect, native of
the higher ranges of the Himalayas of northern India. Its
horns are short and thick, and its body is covered with
long, purplish-brown hair which is much blown about by
the wind. It dwells amongst the most dangerous crags and
22
POPULAR OFFICIAL GUIDE.
HIMALAYAN TAHR. •>;••*-;
precipices, just below timber-line, and in reality is & forest-
loving animal. Its hair is the longest to be found on any
member of the two subfamilies of goats and goat-like ani-
mals. The pair on exhibition have bred here, and the
young have been successfully reared to maturity. The
youg Tahr is very small, but remarkably nimble-footed
and capable.
The Chamois, (Rupicapra tragus], has constantly been
represented in the hoofed-animal collection, but usually out
of its proper installation. Our individuals have not thriven
on Mountain Sheep Hill, always becoming ill soon alter
being placed there. They thrive well, however, in a small
wire pen with a sanded floor quite near the Puma and Lynx
House (No. 33A), and there we keep them.
This animal is one of the short-horned goats which, in
some respects, approaches the antelopes. It is a bold moun-
taineer, and even to-day is pictorially represented as leap-
ing "from crag to crag" across chasms apparently 200 feet
wide! Its home is in the mountains of southern Europe,
especially the Pyrenees, the Swiss Alps and the Caucasus
NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK. 23
SARDINIAN MOUFLON.
Mountains. But it is not so exclusively a crag-dweller, as
most persons have been led to suppose, for in 'many local-
ities it inhabits mountain forests. Like most other moun-
tain ungulates, the Chamois dwell high in summer, and in
winter they seek lower and more sheltered situations. They
are exceedingly wary and agile, and sure-footed on danger-
ous ground.
THE ANTELOPE HOUSE, NO. 50.
The Antelope House occupies a commanding situation on
a high, tree-covered knoll at the south end of the Zoological
Park. The situation seems as if specially formed by Na-
ture to be occupied by this buJlding, and its outside en.
closures. The drainage is quite perfect, and the yards are
well-shaded.
24 POPULAR OFFICIAL GUIDE.
The building has been designed to meet the wants of
giraffes and large African antelopes of all kinds, more
especially those which require 60° of heat in winter. Until
the Elephant House is completed, the great pachyderms —
elephant, rhinoceros and hippopotamus — will be quartered
here.
The Antelope House is 142 feet long by 78 feet in ex-
treme width. In architectural style it conforms with the
other large animal buildings of the Park. Both for visitors
and for its animals, it is roomy and well lighted, and in
every way fitted to house and display a large and valuable
collection of tropical hoofed animals. It contains 24 in-
terior compartments, directly connected with 23 open-air
yards for use in mild weather. This building was com-
pleted and occupied on October 17, 1903, and with all its
surrounding improvements has cost about $80,000.
As the visitor will observe from the following enumera-
tion of species, our collection of large and rare African and
Asiatic antelopes is very rich. Unfortunately, until the
completion of the Elephant House and Zebra Houses re-
leases the apartments now occupied by the large pachy-
derms and equines, a number of species which belong in the
Antelope House must temporarily be quartered elsewhere.
The Nubian, or Three-Horned Giraffes, (Giraffa camclo-
pardalis), are at present the most important and interesting
animals in the building. The pair came from German East
Africa, are now (May, 1907) about seven yaars old, and
cost $5,500. The male stands 13 feet 8V2 inches in height.
and the female 12 feet 4l/2 inches. Both are good-tempered
animals, and have been in good health ever since their
arrival. Their food consists of clover-hay, broken forage-
biscuits, an assortment of raw vegetables carefully cut into
small pieces, a small quantity of bran, and rock salt.
A study of the Giraffes reveals most interesting con-
ditions. According to the point of view, the total number
of species and subspecies may be reckoned at any number
from two to six, inclusive. According to the specimens in
hand, the Southern, or Two-Horned Giraffe, (Giraffa capen-
sis), seems clearly defined from the Northern, or Three-
Horned Giraffe, (G. camelopardalis). Next, the Somali Gi-
raffe, (G. reticulata] , of the Lake Rudolf region and north-
ern British East Africa, seems fairly separable. At first,
the Five-Horned Giraffe, of western Uganda, seemed quite
distinct, but now British naturalists hesitate about accord-
N?EW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK.
NUBIAN GIRAFFES.
ing to it rank as a separate species, because of its inter-
gradation with the Nubian form, (camelopardalis).
Judging from all evidence now available, it seems that
the Giraffes of to-day represent the midway stage of an
effort to develop several species from the parent stock,
the Three-Horned Giraffe,, which is the species here rep-
resented. The existing forms, including all species and sub-
species, intergrade and run together in a manner that is
fairly bewildering; but if the Giraffes could remain un-
influenced by man for a sufficiently long period the prob-
abilities are that the species now branching off would bo
clearly established.
26 POPULAR OFFICIAL GUIDE.
The oldest, the best-known and the most common Giraffe
is the three-horned species, found from central Uganda
southward. The five-horned variety meets the former in
Uganda, and occurs from that region westward to the edge
of the great equatorial forest, and on westward even to
Lake Tchad, and the lower Niger Valley. Excepting in
Uganda, Kahma's country, and a few other protected dis-
tricts, the Giraffe is now rare, particularly throughout the
regions that are accessible to hunters. Thousands of these
wonderful creatures have been killed by hunters, both
white and black, solely for the sake of seeing them dead,
and leaving them as prey to the hyaenas and hunting-dogs.
It seems to be beyond the power of most men who can
shoot to see living wild animals, no matter how large or
wonderful, without desiring to reduce them to carcasses,
fit only for scavengers.
The Eland, (Taurotragus oryx), is the largest and most
imposing of all antelopes. As might be inferred from its
great size, it is now so nearly extinct that it has disappeared
from the lists of dealers in wild animals. The fine adult
male specimen now in the Antelope House was obtained
from the herd of the Duke of Bedford, through Carl Hagen-
beck, and was presented to the Zoological Society by Mr.
George F. Baker. The female is the gift of Mr. C. Ledyard
Blair.
Of Elands there are two well-marked species. That of
eastern and southern Africa, here represented, was once
numerous on many of the fertile plains of the great plateau
now kno\vn as Rhodesia, and in fact throughout nearly the
whole of the uplands of eastern Africa, from the Cape to
the Sahara. Unfortunately, however, white hunters and
modern firearms have reduced the countless thousands of
the great herds to numbers so small that the capture and
exportation of Elands have practically ceased.
Although a number of Elands have been born in cap-
tivity, the number on public exhibition still remain very
small. The only captive herd known to the writer is that
of the Duke of Bedford, in Woburn Park, England, which
is at once the admiration and envy of all collectors of living
wild animals.
The White-Tailed Gnu, (Connochaetes gnu), once was
abundant in South Africa, south of the Vaal River. But it
has shared the fate of all the other large mammals of that
region, and only a few scattered bands still exist. Nearly
NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK.
27
WHITE-TAILED GNU.
all of the specimens now living in captivity were born in
captivity, for both species of Gnu take kindly to life in
parks and gardens.
Every way considered, the Gnu is an animal of odd and
remarkable form. It has the most wonderful nose to be
found among the Antelopes, its horns are curiously formed,
the hair on its head and neck exhibits various peculiarities,
and its hips are oddly modeled. Its long, flowing tail is so
horse-like that for many years this animal was pictured and
popularly known as the "Horned Horse."
The White-Bearded Gnu, (Connochaetes albojubatus), is
noticeably larger than the white-tailed species, and in some
respects it presents a finer appearance. Its bulk is con-
siderably greater, and its color is more pleasing. This spe-
cies bears a strong resemblance to the third species, which
is known as the Brindled or Blue Gnu, (Connochaetes tau-
rinus), from which the former is distinguished by its white
mane and jaw-tufts, and generally paler color, At wide
28 POPULAR OFFICIAL GUIDE.
intervals the White-Bearded species inhabits southern East
Africa, from about S. Lat. 23°, to the Albert Nyanza and
Lake Kudolph, but chiefly near the coast. In only one
locality do we learn of its occurrence west of the 30th me-
ridian. To-day it is most numerous in German East Africa
and the southern portions of Uganda.
The Addax Antelope, (Addax naso-maculatus), is a spiral-
horned antelope which inhabits the southern edge of the
Sahara Desert from Dongola quite across Africa to Senegal.
Its extremely broad and spreading hoofs betoken a dweller
upon sand, and are strongly suggestive of the snow-shoe
hoofs of the caribou. It is said that this animal is not to
be taken without making a journey into the desert, with
camels.
The Leucoryx Antelope, (Oryx lencoryx), is the only
member of its genus which has curved horns. Because of the
length and very slight curvature of the horns, this species
has by some writers been spoken of as the Sabre Antelope,
and by a mischievous perversion that name has been turned
into "Sable" Antelope, which refers to a totally different
creature, (Hippotrag'u's nigcr}. Anyone who places an order
for the purchase of a real Sable Antelope, and receives a
Leucoryx instead of Hippotragus niger, is profoundly dis-
appointed.
This species is a desert habitant, and its home is the desert
region of North Africa from Dongola to the Senegal coun-
try. It is breeding regularly here, and the offspring mature
successfully. The largest Leucoryx horns on record meas-
ure 39% inches.
The Beisa Antelope, (Oryx beisa), is a good representative
of the group of straight-horned antelopes found in the genus
Oryx. Of all the long-horned species, the two Beisas and
the Gemsbok of Africa, and the Beatrix of Arabia, are the
only species possessed of horns that are practically straight
from base to tip. The Gemsbok is the largest and most
showy species, being painted like a harlequin, m a startling
pattern of roan, black and white. The Beisa is a good
second, however. The horns of all these antelopes grow
to great length, and are excellent weapons for use in
encounters with the smaller game-killing carnivores. The
longest horns of record measure 40 inches.
The Beisa inhabits eastern Central Africa, from Suakin
on the Red Sea southward to the Equator.
The Beatrix Antelope, (Oryx beatrix), of the Arabian
NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK. 29
Desert, is one of the rarest antelopes to be found in cap-
tivity, and at thds date this interesting species is represented
by a fine pair of specimens. The longest horns of record
measure 26 inches. Very few sportsmen have seen this
animal in its native haunts.
Baker's Roan Antelope, (Hippotragns equinus bakeri], is
sometimes called Baker's Horse Antelope, but the latter is a
poor designation for this fine, high-spirited animal. It be-
longs to the same genus as the very handsome and high-
headed sable antelope mentioned above, but, as its best name
implies, it is a tawny-brown animal. Its ears are so very
long and pointed, and patterned in such artistic curves that
they serve the excellent purpose of fixing the species in
the rnind of everyone who sees it. The subspecies here
shown is found in German East Africa, but its precise range
is at present unknown.
The Sing-Sing Waterbuck, (Cobus unctuosus), is a crea-
ture of the lowlands, and frequents the dense tangles of tall
reeds that border many of the rivers of West Africa, above
the great equatorial forest. In captivity it sometimes is
one of the most insanely nervous and irrational creatures
imaginable, ever seeking self-inflicted injuries.
The Blessbok, (Damaliscus albifrons}, is a small but hand-
some purple-and-white antelope which is now very nearly
extinct. Formerly a number of herds were preserved on
fenced farms in the Transvaal and Orange Free State, but
it is feared that none of them survived the Boer war. This
species never lived north of the Limpopo, but south of that
river it once was so numerous that a truthful traveler
described a vast plain as being ''purple with Blessbok."
The Nilgai, (Portax tragocamelus) , is the largest of the
Indian antelopes, and while it has the stature and the high
shoulders of a Baker's roan antelope, its absurdly small
horns give it, beside the large antelopes of Africa, a very
commonplace and unfinished appearance. The males and
females are as differently colored as if they belonged to
different species. This animal inhabits the roughest por-
tions of the central plains of Hindustan, from Mysore to
the Himalayas. In northern India it is found along the
rivers Jumna and Ganges, in rugged and barren tracts of
ravines which in character and origin resemble our western
"bad-lands."
The small antelopes will be found in the Small-Deer
House, the next building in order.
THE SMALL-DEER HOUSE, No. 49.
In captivity the small and delicate species of deer, an-
telopes and gazelles are better cared for in enclosures that
are not too large. For such creatures, freedom in a large
enclosure usually means early death from accident or ex-
posure.
The very important building called the Small-Deer House
has been erected with special reference to the wants of the
interesting little hoofed animals which are too small for the
Antelope House and the large ranges. In winter it will
shelter the small tropical mountain sheep and goats, which
are unable to withstand the rigors of outdoor life on Moun-
tain Sheep Hill, and the tropical swine may also be expected
here.
The Small-Deer House is situated in close proximity to
the Antelope House, and westward thereof. Of the build-
ings of secondary rank, it is one of the most satisfactory,
being roomy, well-lighted and capable of comfortably hous-
ing and displaying a large and varied collection. The struc-
ture is 158 feet in length by 46 feet in width. It contains
thirty compartments, each of which, under stress of ne-
cessity, can be partitioned, and formed into two. The in-
terior compartments are each 10 feet wide by 10 feet deep.
The building is surrounded by a series of 34 corrals, con-
necting with the interior compartments, the average size of
each being 75 feet long by 20 feet wide at the outer end.
All the fences are of wire, and were specially designed in
the Park for this installation.
It is a practical impossibility to offer an enumeration of
the living animals in this building which will permanently
apply, and the best that can be attempted is an approxima-
tion. It is an inexorable law of Nature that the smallest
animals shall have the shortest periods of life, and in a
zoological park a small hoofed animal may be here to-day
and gone to-morrow. In the following enumeration, men-
tion will be made only of those species which are likely to
remain longest on exhibition; and it may be observed that
in this building there will be found various animals which
are neither deer nor antelopes.
30
NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK. 31
THE SMALL DEER.
Osceola's White-Tailed Deer, (Odocoileus virginianus os-
ceola), is an interesting geographic race of the northern
White-Tailed Deer which forms the parent stem of a group
of six or seven subspecies. The robust and hardy northern
type, often with large and strong antlers, gradually dimin-
ishes in si/e and in antlers, until in Mexico it becomes a
small and delicate creature, with very small and light antlers
bearing only two or three small tines. The next form has so
widely diverged from the original type that it is necessary
to accord it rank as a full species.
The Sinaloa White-Tailed Deer, (Odocoileus sinaloae), is
still smaller and weaker than the preceding. The pair of
specimens shown were obtained by Mr. and Mrs. C. William
Beebe, in the State of Guadalajara, Mexico, and are highly
interesting as a link near the lower terminus of the Odocoi-
leus chain. On a majority of the antlers of this species
there are no branches whatever, but simply a weak main
beam, curving over at the tip, and terminating in a rounded
point.
It should be noted here that the White-Tailed Deer group,
(Odocoileus), is very well represented in South America by
0. zveigmanni of the Guianas.
The Marsh Deer, (Blastoceros paludosus), of eastern
South America, is the largest South American deer. Our
first specimen was obtained in 1904. Its antlers are strong-
ly built but short, and in architecture resemble the antlers
of a Siamese species known as Schornburgk 's Deer (Cervus
schomburgki) ; but the latter has on each beam three double
bifurcations, while the former has but two. The Marsh
Deer has very large, wide-spreading hoofs, which it would
seem have been developed by many generations of existence
on soft ground. It inhabits the jungles along river banks,
in Brazil. The head of this animal is of remarkable length.
This important species is rather weak in captivity, and it
is by no means certain that it can constantly be exhibited
here. There is another South American species, (Blastoceros
campestris), which is a zoological understudy, or miniature,
of the large Marsh Deer.
The Black-Faced Brocket, (Masama tema), whenever it
can be obtained, will represent a group of American deer
which is as little known in the United States as if it in-
habited the heart of Borneo. The Brockets are smaller
32 POPULAR OFFICIAL GUIDE.
than the Sinaloa white-tailed deer, and they are so nearly
hornless that the antler is merely a small, straight, sharp-
pointed spike of bone only three inches long. The adult
animal is only 25 inches in shoulder height, which is about
the size of the muntjac of India. Of the Brockets there are
several species, mostly South American, but from skulls and
horns received we now know that it is found as far north
as the State of Puebla, Mexico. A correspondent in that
locality is constantly endeavoring to secure specimens for
us, and no doubt will shortly succeed. For the reason that
we expect specimens in the near future, this species is in-
cluded.
The Hog Deer, (Cervus porcimis], which is very unlike a
hog, and is libeled by its name, is a small species from India,
which is provided with long and well-shaped antlers having
a total of six points. Sometimes the adult males are spot-
ted in summer, and sometimes they are not. This species
stands next to the beautiful axis deer. It breeds well in
captivity, but is a very nervous and even hysterical animal.
The Molucca Deer, (Cervus inoluccensis), is a thick-
bodied, scantily-clad and coarse-haired understudy of the
Malay sambar, (Cervus iinicolor}. Of all deer it is one of
the least beautiful. Its hair resembles the bristles of a wild
hog, and its color is a dull, raw-umber brown. It belongs
to the Sambar group of East Indian deer, and really marks,
both geographically and in size, the farthest departure
from the type species of the group.
The Muntjac or Rib-Faced Deer, (Cervus muntjac), is one
of the most interesting of all species of small deer. In one
respect it is unique. Its tiny antlers, which are only 4^/2
inches in length, are placed high up on stems of solid bone,
which sometimes rise 3^4 inches clear of the cranium.
These pedicels of bone are covered with skin, quite up to
the burr of the antler. The front angles of this pedicel are
continued down the face to the nasal bones, and form the
two sharply defined facial ridges which have given this
creature one of its popular names.
In India the Muntjac inhabits the jungles of the tiger,
the leopard, axis deer and sloth bear, and escapes from its
numerous enemies by hiding behind logs, and scurrying
through the thick underbrush so swiftly that its pursuers can
not keep it in view. Its flesh is most excellent food. From
its peculiar, yapping cry, many times repeated, it is cften
NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK. 33
called the Barking Deer. It breeds readily in captivity, and
its bright fawn color attracts to it much attention.
The Musk Deer, (Moschus moschiferns), of northern In-
dia, Tibet and Southern China is the creature which pro-
duces the well-known musk perfume of commerce. The
product is secreted by the male in the "rutting" season.
This species is one of the smallest of the true deer. Its
most remarkable anatomical feature is a pair of very long
and sharp canine teeth in the upper jaw, the points of which
project far below the lower jaw. No horns are present in
this animal. Being short-lived in captivity, and also diffi-
cult to obtain, it must be classed as an intermittent exhibit.
The Mouse Deer, or Malay Chevrotain, (Tragulus java-
nicus), the smallest of all deer-like animals, a tiny creature
no heavier than a rabbit, will be exhibited in the Small-
Deer House as often and as long as circumstances will per-
mit. It is so delicate and so short-lived in captivity that
comparatively few specimens have lived to reach America.
Its home is the hot. moist and densely-tangled jungles of
the equatorial regions of the Far East, particularly Borneo,
Sumatra and the Malay Peninsula, where it is fairly abun-
dant. Many are snared by the natives, for food.
The Mouse Deer is only 10 inches in height at the should-
ers, and has no horns — which is a great pity. But it has a
pair of long canine teeth in its upper jaw, the same as the
musk deer. The Mouse Deer does not belong to the family
of true deer (Cervidae), and the various species constitute an
independent family called Tragulidae.
THE SMALL AFRICAN ANTELOPES.
In addition to the grand array of large antelopes inhabit-
ing Africa, of which many fine examples will be found in
the Antelope House, there is an extensive series of small
species. Indeed, the richness of Africa in antelopes, great
and small, is almost beyond belief. The species of Asia and
Europe are so few, and so inconspicuous, that they seem like
so many estray wanderers from the Dark Continent. The
fertile, grassy plains of the great Central African plateau
have cradled scores of species, some of which have wandered
into the deserts, the forests and the fluviatile swamps, and
there made their permanent homes.
The Black-Buck, or Sasin Antelope, (Antilope cervicapra),
of the central plains of Hindustan, is one of the_ handsomest,
34 POPULAR OFFICIAL GUIDE. i
of the smaller antelopes. The horns of the male are long,
strongly ringed, twisted spirally, and rise from the head in
the shape of a V, sometimes to a length of 28 inches. At
first the young males are fawn-colored, like the females, but
as they grow older they steadily grow darker, until finally
the whole upper body and lower neck are suffused with a
rich, brown-black color. On the plains between the rivers
Ganges and Jumna, herds of Black-Buck live in densely pop-
ulated agricultural regions, and one of the greatest difficul-
ties attendant upon its pursuit lies in shooting an animal
without also shooting the native.
The Reedbuck, (Cervicapra armidinnin), of South Africa,
below Angola and Mozambique, is closely related to the
larger and much more showy Waterbneks, but is distin-
guished from them by the pronounced forward curve of its
horns. In the western districts of Cape Colony, the number
alive, in 1905. was estimated at 350 individuals.
The Common Duiker Antelope, (Cephalophus grimmi), or
for that matter, any species of Duiker — may be regarded
as the representative of a large group of very small African
antelopes, of wide distribution. There are about twenty
species in all, and the great majority of them are very
modestly colored, in coats of one or two colors only. The
prevailing tints are grayish brown and tawny red. The
horns of the various species of Duikers are all very much
alike. With but one or two exceptions, their horns are
straight spikes from 3 to 5 inches in length. In shoulder
height the Duikers vary from 14 to 30 inches, but the major-
ity are between 17 and 22 inches. Only three or four species
are strikingly colored.
The Four-Horned Antelope, (Tctraccros qnadricornis), is
a small creature which looks like a duiker, but is very far
from belonging to that genus. It is an inhabitant of the
brushy plains of India, and enjoys the unique distinction of
possessing two pairs of horns. In addition to the 4-inch
pair, normally placed, it has a much smaller pair, usually
only 1 inch in height, which rises from the central area of
the fore-head. I believe it is the only species of antelope
which possesses two pairs of horns.
The Springbuck, (Antidorcas cuchore), is to South Africa
as the "prong-horn" is to our great western plains. Once,
both were abundant, and the first hoofed animal to greet the
traveller who entered their respective domains. To-day,
both species are so nearly extinct that the hunter must
NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK. 35
search long before finding even one. The Springbuck re-
ceived its name in recognition of its remarkable habit of
leaping high into the air when running — a habit which also
is displayed by the black-buck of India.
The Gazelles are found only in Asia and Africa, and the
number of species is about 25. In general terms they may
be described as dainty antelopes, — so slender and delicate in
leg construction that it seems strange that such slender
bones can support a tall animal without breaking.
The Dorcas Gazelle, of Arabia, (Gazella dorcas), is the
species which most frequently finds its way into captivity,
and it will serve very well as a specimen species for the
whole group. Despite its delicate and frail appearance, it
is much more enduring in captivity than many animals
which seem far more robust. A pair which entered the Park
in 1900 is still living. The male has a temper which quite
belies the reputation of the "gentle Gazelle." Although
loyal and kind to his cage-mate, toward human beings gen-
erally he has manifested a very savage disposition, and in
one of his fits of bad temper he broke off one of his own
horns.
The Indian Gazelle, (Gazella benneti},— frequently called
in its home country Ravine "Deer." — is a habitant of the
sterile, \vater-washed ravines of northern and central India,
which are the oriental counterpart of our western "bad-
lands." This animal inhabits the same regions as the black-
buck, but because of the religious scruples of the Hindoos
against the taking of life, both species are secure from at-
tack— until the arrival among them of the white sahibs. A
full-grown Indian Gazelle is 26 inches in shoulder height.
The females of this species possess horns, which are very
slender, and vary in length from 4 to S1A inches.
MISCELLANEOUS MAMMALS.
The Small-Deer House will at all times contain various
mammals which are there shown because it is a practical
impossibility to provide a separate building for each group.
Among them will be found,
The Kangaroos, — Seldom is there found in Nature a group
of large-animal species whose members are so monotonously
similar in general appearance as are the Kangaroos and
36 POPULAR OFFICIAL GUIDE.
Wallabies, of Australia. The great majority are either gray
or gray-brown, and the only striking variation is found in
the big Red Kangaroo, (Macropns rufus}.
THE WHITE MOUNTAIN GOAT, No. 48.
Fortunate indeed is the zoological park or garden which
can exhibit even one living specimen of the White Moun
tain Goat. It is a very difficult matter to take an animal
from a rarified dry atmosphere, at an elevation of 8,000
feet, and induce it to live at sea level, in a dense and humid
atmosphere, on food to which it is by nature wholly uu
accustomed. Although no one can say how long they will
survive, at this date (May 1, 1907) the Zoological Park has
on exhibition five fine healthy specimens, two years old, of
Oreamnos montanus, — one of the most unique and pic-
turesque species of all North American hoofed animals.
For some subtle reason which we can not explain, these
animals— like the chamois and mouflon quartered in small
pens near the Small-Mammals House— do not thrive in any
of the large, rock-bound corrals of Mountain Sheep Hill.
They are kept in a rock-paved corral near the Pheasant
Aviary and the Crotona Entrance, and to their use has been
devoted a rustic barn, which they shelter in or climb over,
according to the weather. To see them walking nonchalant-
ly over the steep roof, or perching upon its peak, is one of
the drollest sights of the Park.
The White Goat, sometimes mistakenly called "antelope,"
or "goat antelope," inhabits many different kinds of ter-
ritory, but usually the rugged sides and summits of high
mountains, at irregular intervals from southwestern Mon-
tana and northern Washington, northward to the head of
Cook Inlet on the coast of Alaska. (See map of distribution,
with label.) The valley of the upper Yukon contains prac-
tically no goats. They are most abundant in southeastern
British Columbia, where in a very small area, in September.
1905, Mr. John M. Phillips and the writer actually counted
239 individuals.
The animals now exhibited in the Park were captured a
few days after their birth, in May, 1905, about seventy miles
north of Fort Steele, on a tributary of the Bull River. They
arrived here October 9, 1905, and up to this date they have
Mi\V 1'UiiK ZOOLOGICAL PAIiK.
WHITE MOUNTAIN GOATS.
thriven as well, and grown as rapidly, as they would have
in a state of nature. Their food consists of the best clover
hay obtainable, and crushed oats. When they shed their
coats, in the spring, they are almost as white as snow, but
with months of use, their pelage becomes soiled and slightly
discolored.
A fully adult male mountain goat stands from 39 to 41
inches in shoulder height, and weighs, on scales, from 258 tc
300 pounds. Besides this flock, there is at this date only
one other specimen living in a zoological garden.
THE PRONG-HORNED ANTELOPE.
The Prong-Horned Antelope, (Antilocapra americana), is
an animal in which Americans should now take special in-
terest. Beyond all possibility of doubt, it will be our next
large species to become extinct, and if we may judge by the
rate at which the bands have been disappearing during the
last fifteen years, ten years more will, in all probability, wit-
38 POPULAR OFFICIAL GUIDE.
ness the extermination of the last individuals now struggling
to exist outside of rigidly protected areas. It was the inten-
tion of the Society to make liberal provision for the study of
the species while it is yet possible to obtain living specimens,
for fifty years hence our graceful and zoologically interest-
ing prong-horn will be as extinct as the dodo. Unfortu-
nately, however, it fares so badly on the Atlantic coast,
there will, no doubt, be periods wherein this species will be
temporarily absent from the Park.
Forty years ago this animal inhabited practically the
whole of the great pasture region which stretches eastward
from the Rocky Mountains to the western borders of Iowa
and Missouri. Northward its range extended far into Mani-
toba ; southward it went far beyond the Rio Grande, and it
also ranged south west ward through Colorado and Nevada
to southern California. Its chosen home was the treeless
plains, where the rich buffalo grass and bunch grass
afforded abundant food, but it also frequented the beau-
tiful mountain parks of Wyoming and Colorado. It even
lived contentedly in the deserts of the southwest, where its
voluntary presence, coupled with the absence of water, con-
stituted a conundrum which has puzzled the brain of many
a desert traveller.
Although the Prong-Horn is keen-sighted, wary, and at all
times an exceptionally timid and nervous animal, it is no
match for man and long-range rifles. It:; skin is of no value
but its flesh is delicious at all times, even in midsummer,
when most other wild meat is out of flavor. The general
settlement of the great pasture region sealed the doom of
all the large game animals which once stocked it abundant-
ly. Whenever a cowboy wanted an extra choice roast, or
range-riding became too monotonous for him to endure, he
killed an antelope. Whenever an eastern tenderfoot wanted
to "shoot something," he was taken out on the range and
turned loose, to hunt antelope. The difficulty involved was
only barely sufficient to insure a proper degree of interest
and excitement. Almost any man with a modern rifle can
kill an antelope.
To-day, all observers agree that in all regions wherein the
antelope are not rigidly protected, they are going fast.
Those in the Yellowstone Park are protected against man
only to be devoured by the wolves which infest the Park.
Coyotes have been seen to run down and kill antelope within
sight of the town of Gardiner. So far as can be ascertained,
NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK. 39
Colorado is the only state which really is protecting its ante-
lope, and because of this fact the last prong-horn will die in
that state. Professor Osborn reports that in July and Aug-
ust, 1899, he saw hundreds of antelope in Garh'eld Count}'.
In 1898, Mr. Carl Rungius, the animal painter, reported an
abundance of them in Uintah County, Wyoming, but later
he saw with astonishment and dismay that the herds had
disappeared as if the earth had opened and engulfed them
all.
For a century the Prong-Horn has been, next to the buf-
falo, the chief object of interest on our western plains.
Their graceful forms and fleet movements have for long re-
lieved the landscapes of the treeless country from utter
barrenness, from the lifelessness which to every overland
traveller presently becomes unbearably monotonous. It is
not pleasant to think of the thousands of square miles of
"divides," "coulees," "bad lands" and plains absolutely
devoid of antelopes, and tenanted only by coyotes and gray
wolves.
Structurally, the Prong-Horn is so peculiar it has been
found necessary to create for it a special zoological family,
called Antilocapridac, of which it is the sole member. This
is due to the following facts: (1) This is the only living
mammal possessing hollow horns (growing over a bony core)
which sheds them annually; (2) it is the only animal pos-
sessing a hollow horn which bears a prong, or bifurcation;
(3) it has no "dew claws," as other ruminant animals have;
(4) the horn is placed directly above the eye; (5) the long
hair of the body and neck is tubular; and (6) that on the
rump is erectile.
In size the Prong-Horn is the smallest ruminant animal in-
habiting North America north of Mexico, unless it becomes
necessary to place below it the small deer of Texas. It is
nimble-footed and graceful at all times, save when it runs
with its head carried low, like a running sheep. The doe
brings forth two kids at a birth, usually in May or June, and
during the summer months the bands are quite broken up.
The winter coat is shed — in great bunches— during late
spring and early summer, and the new coat of short, gray
hair makes the Prong-Horn look strange and unnatural. By
October, however, his new coat is at its brightest, he is fat
and vigorous, and in every way at his best. As winter
approaches (November) the antelope assemble until great
herds are formed, sometimes a hundred and fifty animals
being found together.
40 POPULAR OFFICIAL GUIDE.
Unfortunately, the Prong-Horned Antelope is not a hardy
animal. The kids are very difficult to rear; they are at all
times easily hurt by accident, and even in a state of nature
this species suffers more severely in winter than any other
North American ruminant. Often the herds drift helplessly
before the blizzards, with numerous deaths from freezing
and starvation, and in spring the survivors come out thin
and weak.
THE CAMEL HOUSE, No. 39.
Speaking in a collective sense, the Camel is much more
than an ordinary animal unit in a zoological park. On the
high plains of central and southwestern Asia, and through-
out the arid regions of Africa, it is an institution. Without
it, many portions of the Old World would be uninhabitable
by man. Take either Dromedary or Bactrian Camel, and it
is a sad-eyed, ungainly, slow-moving creature, full of plaints
and objections; but remember that it goes so far back to-
ward the foundations of man's dynasty, that beside it the
oldest American history seems but a record of yesterday.
It is only a species of the utmost tenacity which could for
fifty centuries or more withstand constant use and abuse
by man without being altered out of all resemblance to its
original form. All races of mankind and all breeds of
domestic animals save one, change and continue to change,
indefinitely, but the Camels go on the same, forever.
The Bactrian Camel, (Camelus bactrianus), he of the long
shaggy hair — it'hen not shedding — and the two great humps,
is the beast of heavy burden, the four-footed freight-car of
the desert sands. He can carry 550 pounds of freight, for
three or four days between drinks; but a swift pace is not
for him. It is an animal of this remarkable species, from
distant Turkestan, southwestern Asia, which daily in fine
weather offers its services as a riding animal, at the stand
near the Large Bird House.
It is unfortunate that the Bactrian Camel is in its finest
pelage only in winter, when visitors to the Park are few,
and camel-riding is out of the question. Promptly upon the
approach of warm weather and a million visitors, it sheds
its long, shaggy brown coat, and stands forth as if shorn by
a shearer. Of this species, the Zoological Society possesses
NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK. 41
two fine specimens (the gift of Captain John S. Barnes), one
of which will at all times be found regularly exhibited at
the Camel House, close by the Crotona (southwest) En-
trance.
The Dromedary, or Single-Humped Camel, (Camelus dro-
medarius), is a smaller animal than the preceding, of lighter
build, and therefore capable of much more speed in travel-
ling. This species never is clothed with long hair.
Next to the Camel's House and corrals is the installation
for the nearest relatives of those species, — the Llamas, Gua-
nacos and other cameloids of South America.
THE LLAMA HOUSE, No. 38.
Situated near the Crotona Entrance.
The arid regions of South America are inhabited by four
species of long-necked, long-haired, soft-footed animals, so
closely related to the camels of the Old World that they are
called cameloids. There are four species. The llama and
alpaca are in a state of domestication, and are supposed to
have been derived from the wild guanaco and vicunia. All
of them might almost be described as small-sized, hump-
less camels ; and their tempers and mental traits are as odd
as their forms.
The ordinary cameloid is a quiet and inoffensive creature;
but the exception is a rogue of rogues. It will bite with the
persistence of a bull-dog, and with its massive, chisel-like
lower incisors inflicts ugly wounds. At times a llama or
vicunia becomes actually insane, and seeks to destroy every
living creature within its reach. Regardless of punishment,
such creatures attack their keepers and their herd-mates,
spit upon visitors, and rage up and down their corrals in
most absurd fashion. Occasionally such individuals require
to be completely isolated.
The Llama, (Lama glama}, is the largest and strongest
member of the group. Its body is covered with a thick
mass of long, wavy hair of fine texture, which may be either
brown, white, white and brown, or almost black. The head
and legs are short-haired like those of the guanaco. From
time immemorial, this animal has been used as a beast of
burden, and in the Andes has played an important part in
42 POPULAR OFFICIAL GUIDE.
the mineral industry by carrying silver ore and bullion from
the mines.
The Alpaca, (Lama pacos), is bred for its wool. It is
smaller than the llama, but more abundantly haired on the
legs, neck and head. Its fleece is long, and lies in stringy
tufts. Usually its color is dark brown or black, but occasion-
ally a white Alpaca is seen. A white specimen in the Zoo-
logical Park collection has blue eyes.
The Guanaco, (Lama guanacus), is one of the most inter-
esting and valuable wild animals now found in Patagonia.
Unfortunately, it is so stupid and incapable that it is easily
killed. The natives of Terra del Fuego, themselves almost
the lowest and most ignorant of men, slaughter Guanacos
for food by surrounding groups of them and clubbing them
to death.
In size the Guanaco is between the llama and vicunia,
and its shoulder height is about 4 feet. Its hair is thick anc
woolly, of a pale reddish color, and there are naked patches
on the legs. This species is found on the Andes, from Ecua-
dor to Terra del Fuego, and appears to be most abundant in
Patagonia.
The Vicunia, (Lama vicunia}, is the only member of the
cameloid group which is not clothed with a mass of long
hair. It is the smallest member of the group, comparatively
short-haired, its color is a uniform light brown, its head is
small, and there are no callosities on the hind legs. The
Vicunia is found from southern Ecuador, through Peru to
central Bolivia.
The Zoological Society's entire collection of cameloids
was presented by Mr. Robert S. Brewster.
NORTH AMERICAN DEER.
Elk, Mule Deer, White-Tail, Caribou and Moose.
The American members of the Deer Family will be found
in the ranges situated on the hill west of the Wild-Fowl
Pond, stretching from the Llama House northward to the
Service Road.
After several years of patient and persistent experiments,
we must admit that to all the American members of the Deer
Family save the wapiti, the climate of New York City is
XRW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARS. 43
decidedly inimical. This densely humid and extremely sa-
line .atmosphere is about as deadly to the black-tail, mule
deer, white-tailed deer, caribou and moose as it is to the
Eskimo; and thus far we have found it an absolute im-
possibility to maintain satisfactory herds of those species in
the ranges available for them. In great tracts of forests,
some of them might become acclimatized ; but, be that as it
may, all experiments made thus far both here and in two
of the great game preserves of New England, prove con-
clusively that black-tail deer, mule deer, caribou, moose, and
also prong-horned antelope, are among the most difficult of
all ruminants to acclimatize anywhere in the United States
eastward of the great plains.
Although the Zoological Society will continue its experi-
ments wth some of these preserve species, and will always
strive to exhibit some of them, our original hopes regarding
them have been abandoned. We are certain that the diffi-
culty lies not in the food, but in climate conditions, that are
beyond our control, and especially our very salty atmosphere.
The American Elk, or Wapiti, (Ccrvus canadensis] . — Of
all the numerous members of the Deer Family, this animal is
second in size to the moose only ; and in the autumn, when
its pelage is bright and luxuriant, its sides well rounded, its
massive antlers clean and held conspicuously aloft, the elk
may" justly be called the king of the Ccrvi'dac. It is well
that in the Yellowstone Park we have an unfailing supply
of Elk, which bids fair to perpetuate this handsome species
for another century.
Our Elk Range might well stand for a mountain park, in
which is set a natural lakelet of real value. In October,
when the splendid groves of beech, oak, and maple along
the eastern ridge put on all the glorious tints of autumn,
and the big thicket of sumacs, ash, and haw on the northern
hill fairly blaze with scarlet — then are the elk also at their
best. There is no finer picture in animate nature than a
herd of elk in October, with such a setting of greensward,
tree-trunk, and foliage.
The maximum shoulder height of the Elk is 5 feet 4
inches, or thereabouts, and the heaviest weight noted thus
far is 927 pounds.
The calves are born from May. to July, and are spotted
during the first six months. During the first year the ant-
lers are merely two straight spikes, called "dag antlers."
As in all members of the Deer Family, the antlers are shed
44 POPULAR OFFICIAL GUIDE.
every year — which to many persons is almost beyond be-
lief. Any person who visits a zoological garden in mid-
summer will see that the old antlers have dropped off bodily,
just below the burr, and that new antlers, covered with hair,
soft, full of blood, and with club-like "points," have sprung
up like mushrooms in place of the old ones. In supplying
the great drain on the system necessary to support this re-
markable growth, the Elk grows thin, and the fear of hurt-
ing his tender young antlers makes him quite timid and in-
offensive. He is no longer the tyrant of the herd, and a con-
stant menace to his keepers.
At this point it is not amiss to call attention to the differ-
ences between horns and antlers.
A horn is a hollow sheath, growing over a bony core, and
except in the case of the prong-horned antelope, is never
shed. Horns are worn by both sexes of all bison, buffaloes,
cattle, antelope, sheep, and goats.
An antler is of solid bone throughout, growing from the
skull; it is shed every year close to the skull, and quickly
renewed. Usually antlers have several branches. They are
worn by nearty all male members of the Deer Family — moose,
elk, caribou, deer, etc., and also by the female caribou. The
prongs on an antler are no index of the wearer's age. Some
of the finest and most massive elk antlers have only twelve
or fourteen points. During August and September the hairy
covering, or "velvet," of new antlers is rubbed off against
trees and bushes. This period is quickly followed by the
mating season, during which the neck of the bull becomes
unusually large, and often the animal becomes dangerous.
Although the Elk is essentially a timber-loving animal, it
also wandered far into the plains bordering the Rocky
Mountains on the east — until driven from them by man.
The ideal home of this animal is the timbered foothills af
our western mountains, up to 8,000 feet. Although once
found from Virginia and New York to Oregon, and from
northern Manitoba to the Gulf of Mexico, it is now numer-
ous only in and adjacent to the Yellowstone Park, in cen-
tral Colorado, where it is well protected, and in western
Manitoba. The number of Elk in the National Park is
variously estimated at from 10,000 head to a much larger
number.
In a wild state, the Elk feeds on grasses, weeds, and the
leaves and twigs of various trees and shrubs. Of all Amer-
ican deer, it is the most easy to acclimate and breed in
NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK. 45
captivity. Large herds are now being maintained and
bred in numerous private game preserves in New Hamp-
shire, New York, Minnesota, Massachusetts, and elsewhere.
About 200 head have been released in the Adirondacks.
The Mule Deer, (Odocoileus hemionus). — This fine animal
is universally known throughout the Rocky Mountain re-
gion, which constitutes its home, as the "Black-Tailed Deer."
Because of its very large ears, and the absence of a black
tail, it is known to naturalists as the Mule Deer. Inasmuch
as its tail is not black, the above more common name prop-
erly applies to Odocoileus columbianus, the true black-tailed
deer of the Pacific coast. In Manitoba this animal is called
the "Jumping Deer," because when running at a gallop, it
makes a series of stiff -legged jumps, or "bucks," of great
length.
The Mule Deer is larger than the Virginia deer, and more
strongly built. The weight of full-grown bucks ranges
from 250 to 300 pounds, and specimens have been known
to reach 325 pounds. The antlers of the Mule Deer are
larger and handsomer than those of the Virginia deer, and
are much better poised on the head. Instead of dropping
forward, they partake more of the set of an elk's antlers,
and many a "tenderfoot" hunter has mistaken a heavily-
antlered Mule Deer for an elk. The antlers of a Mule Deer
are easily distinguished from those of the Virginia species
by the two Y-shaped prongs on each antler. It will be re-
membered that instead of these, the Virginia deer antler
bears three straight, perpendicular spikes.
The Mule Deer makes its home in the rugged ravines and
bad lands so common along the creeks and rivers of the
Rocky Mountain region, extending well eastward into the
plains. Of late years it has been driven out of the most
accessible of its former haunts, and forced to take shelter
in the rugged fastnesses of the foothills and mountains.
West of the Rocky Mountains it was formerly found along
the whole Pacific slope, from Cape St. Lucas to British
Columbia, although in northern California it is almost re-
placed by the Columbian Black-Tail, (O. columbianus}.
The Virginia Deer, (Odocoileus virginianus), is the spe-
cies most widely known throughout the United States,
partly by reason of the fact that it was the first species
with which the early settlers of America became acquainted,
partly because of its wide distribution, and also its persist-
ence in holding its own. In various localities this animal
is known under various names, such as "White-Tailed Deer,"
46 POPULAR OFFICIAL GUIDE.
' ' Flag-Tailed Deer, ' ' and ' ' Fan-Tailed Deer. " Although not
at all in need of it, quite recently it has received still an-
other name — American Deer. The small deer of Florida,
and also of New Mexico and the Southwest, have been
described as separate forms; and if size is to be accepted
as a factor in the differentiation of species, the diminutive
proportions of the proposed southern species are quite suffi-
cient to establish their separate identity.
The Virginia deer of Virginia and the northern United
States is a fine animal — large, strong-limbed, heavily-ant-
lered and hardy. Between it and the deer of Florida the
difference is as great as that between a setter dog and a mas-
tiff. Thanks to the fact that this species is a born skulker
and lives only in thick brush and timber, it still holds its
own throughout the forest regions of the South generally,
Pennsylvania, the Adirondacks, Maine. Michigan, Minne-
sota, the Dakotas, Montana, and Colorado. In the West
it is often found inhabiting brushy ravines and river bot-
toms.
This species breeds readily in confinement, and when pro-
tected in any large tract of brush or timber, increases
rapidly. During the months of September, October, and
November, the bucks are dangerous and untrustworthy.
The peculiar formation of the antlers — three strong, spear-
like points thrust straight upward from the beam — makes
them dangerous weapons; and when an ill-tempered buck
lowers his chin and drives straight forward with eight
sharp spears of solid bone, and nearly three hundred pounds
of weight to back them, he may well be considered a dan-
gerous animal. He is to be feared less than the elk only
because he is smaller.
The Woodland Caribou, (Rangifer caribou). — The first
hoofed animal to arrive at the Zoological Park was a young
female of this species, which was procured in Champlain
County, Canada, and forwarded to the Society by one of
our members, Mr. George S. Huntington. These animals,
when present in the Park, will be kept in a small enclo-
sure, because a large range containing an abundance of
green grass is fatal to them.
The wild range of the Woodland Caribou extends from
Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, and Maine, with many wide
gaps, to the head waters of the Yukon River, in southern
Alaska. The following localities are worthy of special men-
tion : northern Quebec and Ontario ; James Bay ; the north-
ern end of Lake Winnipeg (occasionally) ; Lake of Woods,
NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK. 47
Minnesota ; Oregon near Mount Hood ; northern Idaho ;
northwestern Montana, and the mountains of British Co-
lumbia.
Quite recently, three new species of caribou have been
added to our fauna, one from the Alaskan Peninsula (Ran-
gifer granti), one from the Kenai Peninsula (Rangifer sto-
nei), and one from the Cassiar Mountains (Rangifer os-
borni).
The Woodland Caribou attains nearly twice the bodily
bulk of its more northern congener, the Barren-Ground
caribou. In a state of nature it lives on browse, reindeer
moss, tree moss, and lichens, and it loves ice-covered lakes
and ponds as much as any boy. Its loose-jointed and wide
spreading hoofs and enormously developed " dew-claws"
have been specially designed by Nature to enable this ani-
mal to run freely, as if on snow-shoes, over snow or bogs,
which to any small-hoofed deer would be quite impassable.
The female Woodland Caribou is provided with small ant-
lers, which, like those of the male, are shed and renewed
annually.
In the absence of caribou in the Park, visitors are advised
to look for specimens of the Lapland Reindeer, (Rangifer
tarandus), for we shall endeavor to keep this genus rep-
resented.
THE ZEBRA HOUSES, No. 14.
Although the main building of this installation has not
yet been erected, the plan for the various buildings and
corrals has been approved, and the two rustic buildings
will be in place in the summer .of 1907. The three build
ings, and the extensive corrals connecting with them, will,
as a whole, do justice to the important and picturesque
Family Equidac, which includes all the zebras, wild asses
and wild horses of the world.
This installation occupies the whole of the beautiful,
grassy knoll of about six acres formerly devoted to the
moose. It is situated at the head of Bird Valley, on the
western side, and due west of the Elephant House. The
main building, which will be erected in 1907-8, will be very
much like the Small-Deer House. Meanwhile, the zebras
and asses will be found in the Antelope House and the
Prjevalsky Horses at the old Moose House.
POPULAR OFFICIAL GUIDE.
GRANT'S ZEBRA.
The Prjevalsky Horses, (Equus prjevalskn}.— Of all the
wild equines which either now or hereafter may be seen in
the Zoological Park, the strange little wild horses from
western Mongolia are, and probably will remain, the most
interesting, from a zoological point of view. Broadly speak-
ing, they are the connecting link between the many-striped
zebras, the little-striped quaggas and the wild asses on one
side, and the domestic, unstriped horse on the other. These
wild horses possess a narrow, dark dorsal stripe, which, in the
winter pelage is scarcely visible, but in summer is plainly
evident. A perfect specimen has an erect mane, no long
forelock and no "chestnuts" on its legs. On the upper
half of its tail the hair is short, and mule-like, but on the
lower, or terminal half, it is long and horse-like. The win-
ter coat of this animal is very long and shaggy.
The parents of these horses were captured in 1900, by an
expedition sent out by Carl Hagenbeck, in Sungaria, west-
ern Mongolia, between the Altai and Thian-Shan Mountains.
The expedition cost about $25,000, and of the 52 colts cap-
tured by the wild Khirgiz horsemen employed in the chase.
only 23 reached Hamburg alive. The specimens exhibited
NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK.
49
.PRJEVALSKY HORSES.
are very perfect and typical representatives of their species.
Grant's Zebra, (Equus burchdli gmnti).—0£ all the zebras
now seen in captivity, the great majority belong to what
very properly may be designated as the group of Burchell
Zebras. This group contains, besides the type species, which
has practically no stripes on its legs, four subspecies, whose
legs are more or less striped, and which may or may not
possess "shadow stripes" on the hind-quarters. A "shadow
stripe" is a faint, dark stripe in the middle of a wide white
or pale yellow stripe which lies between two broad black
stripes.
Grant's Zebra is the most heavily striped of the subspecies
composing the Burchell group. The visitor will observe
that its horizontal leg-stripes are very pronounced, and so
numerous that they are carried quite down to the hoofs.
The ground-color of the animal is a cold white, and the
thigh and body stripes are very wide and intense. This
fine pair was captured in Masailand, East Africa, in 1902.
Chapman's Zebra, (Equus burchdli chapmani), also be-
longs to the Burchell group, and in its color pattern it ap-
proaches quite nearly to the type. The legs of the male
bear a few stripes, those of the female almost none. There
are visible on the hind-quarters, of the female a few faint
shadow-stripes.
50 POPULAR OFFICIAL GUIDE.
The Persian Wild Ass, (Equns pcrsicus}, is a very satis-
factory representative of the wild asses generally. Its dor-
sal-stripe is very wide and sharply defined, but it bears no
shoulder-stripe, and those that are faintly indicated on its
legs are nothing more than oblong blotches of dark color.
As its name implies, it inhabits Persia, and Syria, and a
closely related form, the Onager, (E. onager), is found in
Beluchistan and western India. A third species, the Kiang
(E. hemionus), is found on the plains of Tibet.
The male specimen shown here was born in the Philadel-
phia Zoological Garden.
THE ASIATIC AND EUROPEAN DEER, Nos. 1-3.
In representatives of the deer, (Family Cervidac). Asia
far surpasses all other countries. Her species number about
38, — fully double that of any other continental area, — and
from the great Altai wapiti to tiny musk deer, the varia-
tions in size and form are fairly bewildering. The entire
hill that rises between the Fordham Entrance and Bird
Valley, from Cope Lake to the Zebra Houses, is devoted
to the series of houses, corrals and ranges that are occupied
by the deer of Asia and Europe.
It is quite certain that a number of desirable species of
Asiatic deer can successfully be acclimatized in the parks
and game preserves of America, and induced to breed. Al-
most without an exception they are strong and vigorous
feeders, and they keep fat and sleek when our own black-
tail, mule deer and white-tail mince like pampered epicures,
grow thinner and thinner, and finally die of "malnutrition.1
There are places in the United States wherein our native
deer of the species named can exist in captivity, but New
York City is not one of them.
Believing that the members of the group amply justify
the effort, the Zoological Society has been at considerable
pains to bring together a fine, representative collection of
the Old World Cervidae, and prepare places for them. Al-
though the series proposed is not quite complete, it con-
tains such rarities as the Altai Wapiti, Barasinga, Burmese
Thameng, Malay and Indian Sambar, and several others.
They are sheltered by four houses, the largest of which
crowns the summit of the hill on the right of Osborn's
NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK. 51
Walk as the visitor enters from Fordham. For the visitors'
convenience we will make note of the various species about
in the order of their appearance, and not in zoological se-
quence.
The Axis Deer, (Axis axis), is the handsomest of all the
tropical deer. Indeed, it may even be said to be the only
species of the tropics possessing both form and pelage which
are alike pleasing to the eye. In contrast with the many
beautiful and splendidly colored antelopes of Africa, the
deer of the tropics, all round the world, are poorly provided
with those characters which make a handsome animal.
With the sole exception of the Axis Deer, nearly all the
other deer of the East Indies have thin, coarse, dull-colored
hair, their antlers are small, and seldom have more than four
points. This is equally true of the deer of Mexico, Central
and South America. Even our own Virginia deer, so lusty
and fine in the North, becomes in Florida and Texas so
dwarfed that it has now been called a subspecies.
Considering the severe plainness of all the other deer in
the tropics, it is a little strange that the coat of the Axis
should be the most beautiful possessed by any deer. But it
is quite true; and apart from the majesty of the elk, there
is no more beautiful sight in cervine life than the picture
offered by a herd of Axis Deer feeding in a sunlit glade
surrounded by forest.
This species adapts itself to out-door life in the temperate
zone with surprising readiness, not even second in that
respect to the eland. As a matter of course the Axis can not
withstand the fierce blizzards of midwinter as do the elk
and other northern deer; but a reasonable degree of care
in providing it with a dry barn, and shelter from cold winds,
enables it to live even as far north as northern Germany
with perfect comfort. In winter our Axis Deer barn is mod-
erately heated by a stove.
The Japanese Sika Deer, (Cervus sika typicus), is a small
representative of a large group of deer species inhabiting
far-eastern Asia, and known as the Sika Deer group. A
ridiculous number of forms have been described as species
and subspecies, of which possibly one-third are entitled to
stand. Some of those on the Asian mainland, as the Pekin
Sika Deer, are much larger than the Japanese Sika, and
also more strikingly colored. The latter species, shown in
our northernmost corral, is about 33 inches in height, and of
a dull and uninteresting smoky-brown color. Its antlers
are quite large for a deer so small, and in the mating season
52 POPULAR OFFICIAL GUIDE.
males are sometimes dangerous. This species is very hardy,
breeds persistently, requires no heat in winter, and very
rarely sends a case to the hospital.
The Fallow Deer, (Dama vulgaris], is the type of a dis-
tinct group of deer which are distinguished by the posses-
sion of antlers widely palmated throughout the upper half
of the beam. In some old Fallow bucks the antlers are
quite moose-like, and give this small deer an imposing ap-
pearance far out of proportion to its actual size. The
weight of a large buck in prime condition generally is be-
tween 180 and 200 pounds, and its shoulder height is
between 36 and 40 inches. The largest antlers recorded
by Mr. J. G. Millais, in his beautiful work on "The British
Deer," measured 29% inches in length, 281/2 inches spread,
width of palmation 8 inches, and the number of points 14.
The extinct Irish elk, with the most colossal antlers ever
carried by a cervine animal, was a near relative of the
two living species of Fallow Deer.
Although a native of northern Africa and the north shore
of the Mediterranean, the Fallow Deer was acclimatized in
England and northern Europe so long ago that the exact
date records of the event have disappeared, and the species
is now at home in very many European forests and game
preserves. The deer parks in England possess many fine
herds, but they sometimes exhibit one unfortunate result of
long breeding in a semi-domesticated state — departure from
the original type.
The typical Fallow Deer is in winter very dark brown,
with light brown legs and under parts, and in summer light
red with white spots — quite like the axis. From this stand-
ard, the variations run from pure white through the color
of the wild type to jet black.
The fine herd in the Zoological Park is the gift of Mr.
William Rockefeller. Six of its original members came
from the donor's herd at Greenwich, Connecticut, and six
were purchased from one of the imperial parks of Russia,
by consent of the Czar, and represent the most hardy stock
obtainable.
The Burmese, or Eld's Deer, (Cervus eldi), also known as
the Brow-Antler Deer, is one of the rarest species to be seen
in captivity. Living specimens are acquired only through
special expeditions to northern Burma. Its most char-
acteristic feature is the antlers of the male, which sends
forward a very long and almost straight brow tine, while
the main beam sweeps backward in the opposite direction,
XBTAV YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK. 53
and describes a full semicircle. The antlers are both very
heavy and long for the size of the animal. The specimens
shown here, which are breeding satisfactorily, are the gift of
Mr. William Rockefeller.
The Barasinga Deer, (Census duvauceli), also called the
Swamp Deer, is to India what the mule deer is to North
America. To my mind, the antlers of the former always
suggest the latter species, and in size the two species are
much alike. In summer the coat of the Barasinga is of a
beautiful golden-yellow color, conspicuous from afar, and
the antlers of old males reach a length of from 35 to 41
inches, with three bifurcations on each beam. The antlers
sometimes are shed and renewed twice in twelve months.
With us this species breeds very regularly, and the off-
spring mature well.
The Altai Wapiti, (Census canadensis asiaticus), is, in all
probability, the parent stock of our American elk, but it
happens to be a fact that our species was the first to be
discovered by systematic zoologists, and described. To all
visitors who are interested in deer, the Altai Wapiti — and
also the Tashkent Wapiti — are a constant source of wonder,
because of their well-nigh perfect similarity in all points
to our own wapiti, or American elk. Our Asiatic wapiti
are exhibited in ranges connecting with the western rooms
of the Asiatic Deer House, where they have bred twice, and
produced two fine fawns. In the rutting season the males
are very cross and dangerous. They are hardy, and re-
quire no heat in winter.
The Indian Sambar, (Census unicolor), always suggests a
tropical understudy of the Altai wapiti, clad with thin,
coarse, bristly hair, and with shorter and smaller antlers,
and a bristly mane all over the neck. Each antler possesses
three points, only. Of all the Old World Cervidae, this
species most nearly approaches the size of the Altai and
Tashkent wapiti. It inhabits the hill forests of India, and
in Burma, Siam and farther south it is replaced by the next
species.
The Malay Sambar, (Cervus equinus), also called — most
inappropriately — the "Horse-Tailed Deer," very strongly
resembles the preceding species, except that the bristly
mane of the former is generally absent. The antlers of
this species are shorter, also, but very thick in proportion
to their length. The Malay Sambar is confined to the Malay
Peninsula and the countries immediately above, and Borneo
and Sumatra.
54 POPULAR OFFICIAL GUIDE.
This species possesses many admirable qualities, and it
might be introduced to advantage in our southern states.
It is very even-tempered and sensible, easily handled, is
a vigorous feeder, breeds persistently, and matures very
rapidly; but in every New York winter, it requires some
heat in its barn.
The Maral Deer, (Census moral}, is in appearance like an
extra large red deer or a small elk. It is a midway mem-
ber of the Wapiti group, which extends in a somewhat
broken chain from Colorado, northward across Bering Strait
to Asia, and thence across Asia and Europe to Scotland.
We have owned a fine pair of Maral Deer, from the Cau-
casus district, but they have failed to breed as expected.
The European Red Deer, (Cervus elaphits), is an under-
study of the American elk, which it much resembles in
form and in habits. Next to the elk it is the finest living
deer, and for many generations has held its own against
the dangers of in-breeding. In the parks and forest pre-
serves of Great Britain and Europe, it exists abundantly,
but only as private property, subject to the guns of the
owner and his friends. This species has been successfully
crossed with the American elk.
The entire herd of Red Deer is the gift of Mr. William
Rockefeller. This original stock contained two bucks and
four does, procured by the consent of the Czar of Russia
from one of the imperial parks. Russian Red Deer are very
robust and hardy, and are believed to represent the highest
development of this species. In addition to the above, five
specimens derived from English stock were received from
Mr. Rockefeller's herd at Greenwich, Connecticut.
Other Asiatic Deer will be found in the Small-Deer House,
in the southern end of the Park.
THE LION HOUSE, No. 15.
As a spectacle of captive animal life, there is none more
inspiring than a spacious, well-lighted and finely-appointed
lion house, filled with a collection of the world's greatest
and handsomest wild beasts. To build an ideal lion house,
and fill it with a first-class collection of large felines, are
matters involving no little time and much money; but the
sight, — for the millions of visitors, — of lions, tigers, jaguars,
pumas, leopards, cheetahs, black leopards, snow leopards and
NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL TARE.
55
BAEBARY LIOX. "SULTAN."
clouded leopards, all under one roof, surely is worth what
it costs.
The Lion House of the Zoological Park was completed,
excepting a few minor details, early in the year 1903, and
was formally opened to the public in February. It is 244
feet long, 115 feet wide, including the outdoor cages, and its
cost when completed reached $150,000. The materials of
the building are of the same kind as those used in the Rep-
tile House and Primate House, but the animal sculptures,
all by Mr. Eli Harvey, are more abundant and conspicuous
than on any other structure erected heretofore. The build-
ing contains 13 indoor cages, and 9 outdoor cages, and be-
tween the two there is free communication. The sizes of
the various cages are as follows :
Interior cages : Largest, 14 feet wide, 22 feet deep ; small-
est, 13 feet wide, 14 feet high.
Exterior cages: two end cages, 40x44 feet, 17 feet high;
central cage, 40 feet square, 14 feet high; smallest, 13 feet
wide, 12 feet deep, 13 feet high.
Excepting for the single fact of having interior and ex-
terior cages, the Lion House of the Zoological Park is — like
the Primate House — an entirely original development. Its
most important new features are as follows:
All cage service, the introducing and withdrawal of ani-
56 POPULAR OFFICIAL GUIDE.
mals, is conducted from the rear, by means of a track under,
neath the sleeping dens, and an elevating platform ear.
The communication between indoor and outdoor cages is
direct and continuous.
Instead of upright iron bars, all the cage fronts are of
hard-steel wire netting, in rectangular pattern, attached to
wrought iron frames. This is considered by the Zoological
Society a great improvement upon the heavy bar-work
hitherto in universal use for cage fronts in lion houses.
The space above the sleeping dens has been developed
as a sunlit balcony, whereon the animals will be very con-
spicuous, even to large crowds of visitors.
Jungle-green tiling, impervious to moisture and dirt, is,
used as a back-ground for the animals.
The Lion is an animal of perpetual interest, but like
every other noteworthy wild animal, its haunts are con-
stantly being claimed by civilization, and its members are
rapidly decreasing. It is not a difficult matter to exter-
minate or drive out- from a given territory any large and
conspicuous quadruped, and at the present rate of settle-
ment and industrial development in Africa, it may easily
come to pass that by the end of the present century, the
king of beasts will be without a home, outside of zoological
collections.
Like everything great, the Lion has his share of critics
and detractors. A few writers have asserted that because he
does not stalk through his native forests with head proudly
erect, like a drum-major on parade, he is mean-spirited and
cowardly. But the beast of noble countenance believes in
the survival of the fittest, and both by inheritance and
observation he knows that a lion who needlessly exposes
himself in the field captures the smallest amount of game,
and attracts the greatest number of steel-tipped bullets.
Although Lions vary greatly in their color, and in the
length of the mane, it is conceded by naturalists that only
one species exists. In the same district and under precisely
similar conditions are found short-maned and long-maned
individuals, and all shades of color from tawny yellow to
dark brown. The present geographic range of the species
is from Southern "Rhodesia to Persia and northwestern
India, but in northern Egypt there is a large extent of
territory which is lionless.
By reason of his heavy mane and massive countenance,
supported by the grandest roar that issues from throat of
beast, the Lion appears to be a larger animal than he really
NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK.
JAGUAR "SENO'R LOPEZ."
is. It is yet an unsettled question whether it exceeds the
tiger in length, height or weight, and it is certainly true
that in point of size these two species are very evenly
matched.
In captivity, the Lion is reasonably contented, and under
good conditions breeds readily, and lives a goodly number
of years.
The Tiger will be found upon the earth long after the
lion has disappeared. He is a far better hider, a more skill-
ful hunter, less given to taking foolish risks, and he does not
advertise his presence and invite his enemies by the bom-
bastic roaring in which the lion delights to indulge. The
Tiger is an animal of serious mind, and he attends strictly
to business. A lion will stalk out into the open, in broad
day, but the Tiger sticks closely to cover until the friendly
darkness renders it safe to roam abroad.
Despite the density of the population of India, and the
omnipresence of sahibs with rifles of large caliber, the Tiger
58 POPULAR OFFICIAL GUIDE.
still inhabits all India from Cape Comorin to the Himalayas,
the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Burma, Siam, and certain
portions of China up to the region of snows. Strange to
say, the finest of all Tigers are found in Corea and Man-
churia, where they grow very large, and develop hair that
is long and thick. Corean and Siberian Tigers are much
sought after by zoological gardens, partly on account of
their size, and also because they are so hardy they are
able to live out doors all winter in the temperate zone. The
Tiger is not found in Africa, nor in any country westward of
India.
The maximum length attained by this animal, head, body
and tail, is 10 feet 2 inches. A very large specimen
killed by Dr. Hornaday measured 9 feet 8i/> inches in length,
stood 3 feet 7 inches high at the shoulders, and weighed, on
the scales, 495 pounds. In India, Tigers are classed accord-
ing to their habits, as "game-killers," "cattle-lifters." or
"man-eaters." Fortunately, in comparison with the total
number of these animals, the latter are few and far between.
Of yellow-coated felines, The Jaguar, (Felis onca}, is
next in size to the tiger. In South America, it is almost
universally called "El Tigre" (pronounced Te-gre), which
is Spanish for tiger. Comparatively few Americans are
aware that this superb animal belongs in the fauna of the
United States, but such is the fact. The northern limit of
its distribution is found in southern Texas, where it still
exists in small numbers. In South America it extends to
Patagonia
The Jaguar is a stocky, heavily-built animal, with a mas-
sive head and powerful forearm. It is a good climber, and
many wonderful stories of its strength have been told and
printed. Amongst leopards of all kinds it can always be
identified by the great size of the black rosettes on its body,
as well as by its heavy build.
The splendid male specimen, named "Senor Lopez," in
honor of a former President of Paraguay, was the first to
arrive for the new Lion House. It was captured in August,
1901, in the wilds of central Paraguay, expressly for us,
through the efforts of Mr. "William Mill Butler, of Philadel-
phia, and by him presented to the Zoological Park. After
a long journey in small river craft, in a flimsy wooden cage
that several times came near collapsing, the animal reached
Asuncion, was taken to Liverpool by Mr. Butler, and finally
reached New York.
The Leopard, (Felis pardus), is fourth in size from the
NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK 59
lion, and is distinguished from the jaguar by smaller spots
and less powerful form. It inhabits both Asia and Africa,
from Japan to Cape Colony. While the species is regarded
as the same throughout that vast extent of territory, it is
undoubtedly true that the Leopards of Africa have smaller
spots and more intense coloring than those of Asia. The
maximum size for this species is a total length of 8 feet,
which is attained only by a very large animal, with a long
tail.
Naturally, the Leopard preys upon smaller animals
than those most sought by the lion and tiger. It prefers
small antelopes, and young animals generally, goats and
sheep. When pursued, it is very skilful in hiding, and will
shelter in brushy cover until fairly beaten out.
The Black Leopard is the most ill-tempered of all feline
animals — perpetually snarling and growling, and seeking to
do some one an injury. Old World naturalists regard it
as of the same species as the common leopard, (Felis pardus},
despite the fact that it is found only in southeastern Asia,
and both in appearance and disposition is totally different
from the typical pardus. With but few exceptions, the
world's supply of Black Leopards comes from Singapore.
The Cheetah, or Hunting Leopard, (Cynaelnrus jnbatus),
is marked by its long legs, slender body, small head, small
spots, and claws that are only partially retractile. Its
structure suggests that of the dogs. It is distributed very
irregularly through portions of Africa and southern Asia,
and is by no means a common animal like the leopard and
tiger.
In central India, this animal is trained to hunt the sasin
antelope, a form of sport indulged in chiefly by native ra-
jahs. The Cheetah takes kindly to captivity, and permits
handling to an extent quite unknown with other large
felines. Its keepers place the animal upon an open cart,
blindfold it, and then drive to within 200 yards of a herd of
antelope. At the point of nearest possible approach, the
hood is removed, and the animal is set free. Leaping to the
ground, the Cheetah stalks the herd of antelope as closely as
possible, then makes a sudden rush forward, and endeavors
to seize a victim. If successful, the animal is pulled down
find killed. If not. the Cheetah sullenly retires, and again
places itself in the hands of its friends.
The Snow Leopard, or Ounce, (Felis uncia), is the rarest,
and also one of the most beautiful of all the large felines.
It inhabits the high plateau of central Asia from the Hima-
60 POPULAR OFFICIAL GUIDK.
lay as to the Altai Mountains of Mongolia, above 9,000 feet.
It is the neighbor of the Marco Polo sheep, the giant-
horned argali, and the Siberian ibex. In its home country,
this creature is sufficiently numerous that 2.000 tanned skins
sometimes reach Shanghai in a single year, but owing to its
great distance from railways and sea, not more than fifteen
or twenty specimens have reached the zoological gardens of
Europe and America. Up to 1907, we have possessed three
specimens, one of which was living on January 1. 1907.
Some individuals are good-natured and playful, but others
are morose.
The Puma, or Mountain Lion, (Fells concolor), is the
most widely-known feline in North America. At present
it is at home in Florida, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado,
Texas, and all the states westward thereof. Southward it
inhabits Mexico and Central America, and ranges through
South America quite down to southern Patagonia. It at-
tains its maximum size (8 feet in length, weight 225 pounds)
in Colorado, where it appears to be more numerous than in
any other state. In Koutt County it is hunted very success-
fully with dogs. When pursued, it is compelled to take
refuge in a low tree, in which it can be photographed or shot
without danger.
Despite the numerous thrilling stories that have been
written and published about the dangerous doings of this
animal, it is by no means really dangerous to man. No
Puma holding an option on a safe line of retreat ever stops
to fight a man.
The Puma was formed for agility rather than strength.
It swims well, and it is the most agile climber of all the
large felines. The head of this animal is particularly beau-
tiful, and its temper in captivity is entirely satisfactory.
The first specimen of this species to enter the Zoological
Park came from Peru, as a gift from Mr. Joseph P. Grace,
and during the years 1901 and 1902 it lived out doors, con-
stantly, in the Puma Plouse (No. 33A), where its health was
excellent.
THE SEA-LIONS, No. 12.
Of all animals which find permanent homes in zoological
gardens and parks, very few afford the public more con-
stant entertainment than Sea-Lions. They are delightfully
NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK. 61
active, and in one way or another — diving, swimming, climb-
ing or hopping about — are nearly always "showing off."
No one within a quarter of a mile of their pool need inquire
where they are, for their loud and cheerful "Hook! hook!
hook!" is heard far and wide, and draws visitors like a
magnet.
The Sea-Lion Pool is situated about in the center of Baird
Court.
The California Sea-Lion, or "Barking Sea-Lion," (Zalo-
phus calif ornianus), is the species most easily caught alive,
and the one usually seen in captivity. Its home is the coast
of California, but it is said to enter the Sacramento River
and travel upward for a considerable distance in pursuit of
spawning salmon. Comparatively few Sea-Lions are now
found on the mainland coast of California, and but for the
fact that on the United States Light-House reservations
their slaughter is prohibited by the Light-House Board, the
people of California would now be waging a systematic war
on the species, which soon would exterminate it.
The specimens exhibited in the Zoological Park were cap-
tured for the Society near Santa Barbara. Their captors
provided themselves with lassos, crept along the rocky cav-
erns which served the creatures as sleeping-dens, lassoed
them, and drew them forth. During the long journey
across the continent they travelled in crates, were fed on
raw fish, and twice a day were drenched with water. Inas-
much as these are warm-blooded animals, provided with
lungs, not gills, they live and thrive in fresh water. Owing
to lack of room, this species has never yet been known to
breed in captivity, although many "pups" have been born
in zoological gardens to newly caught mothers.
The California Sea-Lion is very similar in size, and, leaving
the old males out of consideration, it is almost the exact
counterpart in form of that apple of perpetual international
discord — the Alaskan "fur seal." The unfortunate fact that
the latter animal has become known as a "seal," has caused
much confusion in people's minds regarding the classifica-
tion of pinnipeds (fin-footed animals) generally. For this
reason, it is proper to observe at this point that :
1. Sea-Lions have flat, triangular, naked front flippers,
without claws; they have long necks, and carry their heads
high. There are nine species, of which the so-called "fur
seal" is one.
2. Seals always have short and stubby front flippers,
which are covered with hair, and provided with nails. In
NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK. 63
most species the hair is coarse and valueless. The seal has
a very short neck and by reason of the weakness of its
front flippers, it is not nearly so active nor so interesting
as the Sea-Lion.
The Harbor Seal, (Phoca vitulina], is the species common
along our Atlantic coast, and since it serves so well as a
type of the hair seals, or true seals, it will occasionally be
shown in the Park. In comparison with the active and
vivacious sea-lion, it is a tame and rather uninteresting
creature ; but neither has any commercial value, save for the
purposes of exhibition when alive.
THE PRIMATE HOUSE, No. 17.
The Primates are the four-handed animals belonging to
the zoological order called by that name, which includes the
apes, both great and small, the baboons, monkeys and le-
murs. The word "monkey" is by no means sufficiently
comprehensive to embrace all these forms. Were it other-
wise, this building would be called, officially, the Monkey
House.
The Primates are the creatures which stand nearest to
man in the zoological scale, and in interest to all classes of
humanity they stand above all others. There is no intelli-
gent person, civilized or savage, to whom the humanlikeness
of apes and monkeys does not appeal. On the other hand,
some of the baboons are in feature and temper so thoroughly
beast-like, their diabolism is almost as fascinating as the
man-like character of the great apes. The variety of forms
in the Order Primates, and the wide differences between the
various groups, imperatively demand, for the proper rep-
resentation of this Order, a large collection.
The Primate House was erected in 1901, at a cost of
$65,000, and opened to the public on December 22d, of that
year. It is 162 feet in length, 74 feet in width, contains
16 large interior cages, 22 small cages, and 11 exterior cages,
two of which are of great size. The points of special ex-
cellence in this building are as follows: An abundance of
room for the animals, an abundance of sunlight, perfect
ventilation, an extensive series of open-air cages, freedom
of communication between outside and inside cages, floors
and walls impervious to moisture and disease germs, and the
absence of iron bars from all cages save three.
64 POPULAR OFFICIAL GUIDE.
During the months of mild weather, all the inmates of the
large interior cages occupy, at will, corresponding cages
in the outdoor series. It is also intended that certain hardy
species of baboons, and the red-faced monkey of Japan,
shall be provided with comfortable sleeping quarters and
live outdoors, every winter. It is believed that they can
do this, not only with comfort, but with great physical
benefit.
For general convenience, and the promotion of a uni-
versal understanding of the primates, we propose to set
them forth in four groups, a subdivision strictly according
to Nature, readily comprehended, and easily remembered.
They are as follows, with typical examples of each :
I. ANTHROPOID APES.
Chimpanzee Anthropopithccus calvus. . .of Africa.
Orang-Utan Simla satyrus " Borneo.
Gray Gibbon Hylobates leuciscus "
II. OLD WORLD MONKEYS AND BABOONS.
Mona Monkey Ccrcopithecus mono " Africa.
White-Collared Mangabey . . . . Cercocebus coUaris "
Magot : Barbary "Ape" -Vacacus inuus " N. Africa.
Japanese Red-Faced Monkey. fuscatus " Japan.
Pig-Tailed Monkey nemestrlnus " E. India.
Rhesus Monkey rhesus " India.
Entellus Monkey " entellus " "
Black "Ape" f'ynopithecus niger " Celebes.
Golden Baboon Papio babuin " N. Africa.
Hamadryas ' hamadryas " Arabia.
Mandrill mormon " W. Africa.
Gelada Theropithccus gclada " Abyssinia.
III. NEW WORLD MONKEYS.
White-Throated Sapajou Ccbus hypoleucus " S. America.
Red-Faced Spider Monkey. . . A teles paniscus "
White-Headed Saki Pithecia leucocephala "
Yarkee: Short-Tailed Monkey .Brachyurus calva "
Squirrel Monkey Chrysothrix sciurea "
Common Marmoset Hapale jacclius " " "
Douroucoli \yctipithecus trivirgatus. . " " "
IV. LEMURS AND LEMUROIDS.
Ring-Tailed Lemur Lemur catta " Madagascar.
Indri Indri brevicaudata " India.
Galago Galago galago " Madagascar.
Slow Lemur Nyctivebus tardigradus . ..." Madagascar.
Aye- Aye Cheiromys madagascariensis" India.
Nearly all the above-named species are now living in the
Primate House, besides which there are many others. So
far as the available supply of captive primates will permit,
these typical species will constantly be kept on exhibition,
together with many others equally interesting. In this
NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK. 65
small volume it is possible to notice only the most im-
portant forms.
The Gorilla, (Gorilla savagei), of equatorial West Africa,
is the largest and ugliest of the great apes, walks erect, and
in form of body and limbs it most resembles man. Its
brain, however, is less man-like than that of the chimpanzee
and orang-utan. It is very rarely seen in captivity. The
only specimen which up to 1901 had reached America alive
lived but five days after its arrival. Despite the fact that
these creatures seldom live in captivity longer than a few
months, they are always being sought by zoological gardens.
The agents of the New York Zoological Society are con-
stantly on the watch for an opportunity to procure and send
hither a good specimen of this wonderful creature; and
whenever one arrives, all persons interested are advised to
see it immediately, — before it dies of sullenness, lack of
exercise, and indigestion.
The Orang-Utan is intellectually superior to the gorilla,
and is equalled only by the chimpanzee. Unfortunately, as
a rule, none of the great apes is long-lived in captivity,
and in zoological gardens they come and go. For this rea-
son, it is seldom that an adult specimen, 4 feet in height,
and weighing 150 pounds, is seen in captivity. Amongst
other apes, the Orang-Utan is readily recognized by its
brown skin, red hair and small cars.
In disposition this creature is naturally docile and affec-
tionate. It is fond of the society of human beings, takes
to training with wonderful readiness and success, and young
specimens can easily be taught to wear clothes, sit at table,
and eat with spoon and fork. In the summer of 1901, the
daily open-air exhibition of "Rajah" dining at 4 o'clock
on an elevated platform in front of the Reptile House, will
long be remembered by the crowds of visitors who saw him.
Such exhibitions are entirely germane to the educational
purposes of a zoological garden or park, for they illustrate
the mentality of animals, and their wonderful likeness to
man, far more forcibly than the best printed statements.
The north hall of the Primate House is specially in-
tended for the anthropoid apes, and it is not likely that any
lengthy periods will elapse during which it contains neither
orang-utans nor chimpanzees.
The Chimpanzee, (Anthropopithccus calvus), of equatorial
Africa from the west coast to the central lake region, is
quite as common in captivity as the orang-utan. Both
structurally and mentally this animal is very much like the
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ORANG-UTAN.
orang-utan, and for keenness of intellect and susceptibility
to training, it is second to none of the animals lower than
man. A Chimpanzee is easily recognized by its black hair
and large ears. There are two or three species.
The Gibbon shows off to poor advantage in a cage, but in
the tree-tops it is a wonderful creature. It is like a long-
armed skeleton clothed with skin and hair, animated by the
spirit of an Ariel. In its home in the jungles of Borneo and
southeastern Asia, it dwells in hilly forests, and never
descends to the earth. When attacked, it flees down-hill, if
possible, and it seems actually to fly through the tree-tops.
It boldly flings itself forward through space, grasps with its
hands the first available branch, swings underneath, feet
foremost, and after another flight presently catches with
its feet, thus actually making revolutions as it goes. Its
progress is so swift and so silent that successful pursuit is
impossible to any enemy not provided with wings.
This animal is naturally very timid, but does not hesitate
to expose itself to mortal danger when its young are in
distress. In captivity gibbons are shy and nervous, and
take life very seriously,
NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK. 67
The Baboons have been specially designed by Nature for
life upon the ground, surrounded by dangerous enemies.
But for their big canine teeth, their fierce tempers and bull-
dog courage, backed by a fine combination of strength
and agility, the lions, leopards, hyenas and jackals of
Africa would have exterminated them all, ages ago. They
were not formed to become hand-organ beasts of burden,
nor even companions to man, but rather to fight off their
enemies, and bluff even the king of beasts when occasion
requires. In captivity, their strength and ferocity always
inspires respect, and sometimes genuine terror. At all
times they require to be treated as dangerous animals.
Of the various species of baboons on exhibition in the
Primate House, the full-grown Mandrill is the most inter-
esting, and wonderful. It seems like an animal not of this
earth, and reminds the visitor of one of the great beasts of
the visions of St. John the Divine. The home of this species
is in West Africa, and it is found from Senegambia to the
Congo. The long shaggy hair, lion-like appearance, the
peculiar color markings of the face, and the indescribable
grimaces, instantly fix the attention of every visitor.
The Hamadryas Baboon, with long side whiskers and
cape of long hair, is one of the handsomest animals of this
group. Its explosive, ear-racking cry is almost as startling
to visitors as a cannon-shot.
The Golden Baboon has the liveliest disposition and the
best temper possessed by any baboon. Young specimens
are full of good-natured mischief, and are much given to
hectoring their cage-mates. The Long-Armed Yellow Ba-
boon is quite at home in the Primate House, and has bred
here. It is a good species to keep in captivity.
The Group of Old World Monkeys contains several spe-
cies worthy of special remark. There are some which have
tails so very short and insignificant that they seem to be
tailless, and several of them are called "apes." They are
not true anthropoids (man-like apes), however, and it is a
confusing error to designate any of them as "apes." The
species referred to are the following :
The Black "Ape," of Celebes, exceedingly like a true
baboon.
The Magot, or Barbary "Ape," of North Africa and Gib-
raltar, which is a true macaque.
The Japanese Red-Paced Monkey, another macaque, with
a brilliant red face, and long, thick coat of hair, which
68
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CHIMPANZEE, "POLLY."
enables it to live out of doors all winter, even in this
Zoological Park.
The Pig-Tailed Monkey, several species of which are
found in Burma and other portions of southeastern
Asia.
All the above are on exhibition in the Primate House,
and the outdoor cages.
The Rhesus Monkey, of India, is one of the sacred species,
and ages of immunity from molestation, or even wholesome
discipline, have made this animal aggressive and domineer-
ing in temper.
The Bonneted Macaque is the best-tempered monkey of all
the monkey species found in the East Indies, and it is by
far the best to keep as a pet.
NRW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK. 69
The Entellus Monkey, of India, is also a sacred species,
and its natural seriousness of manner, and dignified bearing,
quite befit the direct descendants of the original Hunuman,
or monkey deity of the Hindoos, who helped to build Adam's
Bridge.
Of the many African monkeys, some of the most showy
(such as the Guerzas and Colobs) are so difficult to procure
they can not be set forth as permanent residents in the
Primate House. The following species, however, may be
classed with the reliables :
The White-Collared Mangabey and Sooty Mangabey are
both so lively, so good-natured, and so free from the fight-
ing habit, they are prime favorites with everybody.
The Mona Monkey is handsomest and easily kept, and an
excellent representative of the great African genus Ccrco-
piihccus.
The Green Monkey and the Vervet are lively but quarrel-
some, and at times become dangerous. The Patas, or Red
Monkey, is very sedate, and makes a good cage-mate for the
The New World Monkeys, even at their best, never make
a strong showing in a vivarium. The trouble is that many
of the most interesting species are so delicate it is impossible
to keep them alive in captivity. Fame awaits the man who
can discover a bill of fare on which Howling Monkeys, Sakis
and Yarkees can live in captivity to old age, and repay their
cost and care. Their digestive organs are delicate, and are
subject to derangement from causes so slight they can not
be reckoned with.
The Sapajous are the hardiest, the most intelligent and
in some respects the most interesting of the New World
monkeys. They all possess the prehensile (or grasping)
tail, which is not found on any Old World monkey, and the
use made of it is a constant source of wonder. Monkeys of
this species are quite common in captivity, and their
wrinkled brows and serious countenances give them an ap-
pearance of being burdened with cares, — which most cap-
tive monkeys certainly are! These are the unfortunate
creatures which so often come to grief on hand-organs.
The Black Spider Monkey and the Gray Spider Monkey
represent a genus of animals quite as attenuated in form
as the gibbons. Their slender bodies, exceedingly long and
slender legs and tail, — the latter strongly prehensile, and
better than a fifth arm and hand,— give them when in the
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DEAD GELADA BABOON*.
tree-tops an appearance truly spider-like. They are agile
climbers, but not rapid runners, and having no means of
defense are very timid. Their stomachs are so simple they
seem to lack some element or function that is necessary to
the life of the animal in captivity. Notwithstanding the
fact that "Jess," of Bath, New York, in defiance of all laws
and precedents, lived thirteen years in a cold climate, the
great majority of spider monkeys die before they reach full
maturity, and nearly always of stomach troubles. For-
tunately, however, there are exceptions to this rule.
The Squirrel Monkey, often called a "Marmoset," is a
pretty little olive-yellow monkey, almost as delicate as the
true Marmosets, and the Pinche. These diminutive crea-
tures are so delicate they require the greatest care and ten-
derness, and thrive better in moderately small cages than
NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK.
71
RED-HEADED MANGABki.
in large ones. True marmosets are the smallest of American
primates, being next in size to the Tarsier, of Borneo, small-
est of all quadrumanes.
The Lemurs and Lemuroids. — A Lemur is a monkey-like
animal belonging to the lowest group of primates, but in
some respects is so little like a typical monkey that the rela-
tionship is not always apparent. There are about thirty
species, and all save a very few are found on the Island of
Madagascar. They are gentle-spirited, harmless and in-
offensive animals, and not being persecuted by their human
neighbors, as all American wild animals are, they are quite
numerous.
Nearly all of the Lemurs have long tails, long and fine
hair, large eyes and pointed muzzles. Many of them are
strikingly colored in various shades of black, white and
gray. All Lemurs are supposed to be of nocturnal habit, and
in fact they really are ; but the specimens in the large jungle
cage of the Primate House are quite as lively and interest-
ing in the daytime as most of the monkeys. So far from
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RUFFED LBMOR.
manifesting a disposition to retire to dark corners, they
love to lie in the sunshine.
The Ruffed Lemur, or Black-and-White Lemur, (Lemur
varius), is the handsomest member of this entire group.
Its fur is very long, silky, and alternately pure white and
jet black. The Ring-Tailed Lemur has a very long, pointed
tail, ornamented with about 25 alternating rings of browii
and gray, which it carries very gracefully. This species
is of a more lively disposition than most others. The cu-
rious Indri has not up to this time come into the collection,
but it is expected in the near future. When it arrives it
can at once be recognized by the entire absence of a tail,
except a mere stump, and by its large hands and feet.
THE ELEPHANT HOUSE, No. 20.
Of its buildings for animals, the Elephant House is the
culminating feature of the Zoological Park, and it comes
quite near to being the last of the series. In token of these
facts, it is fittingly crowned with a dome. Through its posi-
tion in the general plan it closes a wide gap, and effectively
links together the northern and southern halves of the
establishment.
The erection of this great structure began in 1907, and the
building was completed and its inmates housed in the fall
of 1908. The vards surrounding the structure were finished
in 1909.
Any building which can comfortably accommodate a rep-
resentative collection of the largest of all living land ani-
mals, must unquestionably be large and substantial. There
is no pleasure in seeing a ponderous elephant chained to
the floor of a small room, unable even to walk to and fro,
and never permitted to roam at will in the open air and sun-
light. It is no wonder that dungeon-kept elephants go mad,
and do mischief. If an elephant — or for that matter any
animal— cannot be kept in comfortable captivity, then let it
not be kept at all.
The Elephant House of the City of New York is a large
and roomy structure, built to render good service for two
centuries. Its extreme length over all is 170 feet, and its
width is 84 feet. Its two sides are divided into 8 huge
compartments, of which 4 are for elephants, 2 for rhinoc-
eroses and 2 for hippopotami. Each of these is 24x21%
feet.
The Hippopotami have within the building a tank 24x21
feet, and 8 feet in total depth; and another will be con-
structed in their corral.
Each end of the building furnishes two cages of smaller
dimensions, for tapirs, and young elephants. The whole
area surrounding the building, excepting the axial walk, is
devoted to open-air yards, so arranged that each cage in the
interior connects directly with a corral which affords both
sunshine and shade. Nature seems to have made this beau-
tiful open grove — strangely free from trees in its center —
especially for the purposes to which it now is devoted.
73
NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK. 75
It is by no means the intention of the Zoological Society,
that, because an axial walk leads through the Elephant
House, the building shall be used as a thoroughfare for foot
traffic between the northern and southern portions of the
Park. Such use would surely defeat the main purpose of
the structure. It is intended to be entered only by persons
ivho desire to see the animals, and all others must pass around
it, by one or the other of the two very direct promenades
which will be provided. The employees of the Park are
strictly forbidden to consider the walk through the build-
ing as a convenient highway, and visitors are requested to
observe the obvious necessities of this case.
The Indian Elephant, (Elephas indicus), is the universal
elephant of captivity, the African species being known only
as a great rarity. For every elephant that comes from
Africa, about thirty come from India, and of those about
twenty-nine are prosy and unromantic females. In order
to secure a male Indian Elephant, it must be specially
ordered.
Our first Indian Elephant, a fine male named "Gunda,"
was caught wild in the interior of Assam, northeastern In-
dia, and he arrived at the Zoological Park in May, 1904,
as the gift of Col. Oliver H. Payne. He was then about
seven years old. He stood 6 feet 7 inches in shoulder
height, weighed 3,740 pounds, and had all the points of a
"high-caste" elephant. His tusks were then 16 inches long.
When he reached the Park, his education was nearly all
before him, but he was trained so rapidly that on August
14, 1904, he began to carry visitors, and thus far has never
made a mistake. On all afternoons, when the weather is
sufficiently warm, he may be found at the riding-animals'
stand, near the Flying Cage, on duty ; and he appears to
enjoy his work. Although very mischievous about break-
ing anything in his quarters that is breakable, he is by 'no
means bad-tempered. Like most Indian elephants, "Gun-
da" is very intelligent. In two days he was taught to
receive pennies, lift the lid of his "bank," drop the coin
within, "and ring his bell.
Since his arrival here, in May, 1904, he has grown in
height at the rate of about 5 inches each year. On April 1.
1907, he stood 7 feet T1/^ inches in shoulder height, his weight
was 6,200 pounds, and his tusks were 2Sl/o inches long.
The Sudan African Elephant, (Elephas oxyotis, Matschie),
is the largest of the four species of African elephants now
76 POPULAR OFFICIAL GUIDE.
recognized. The other species are the South African Ele-
phant, (E. capensis), the German-East-African Elephant,
(E. knochcnJiaiteri), and the West African Elephant, (E.
cyclotis).
After some years of waiting, and many futile efforts, we
have at last come into possession of a pair of young Sudan
Elephants, representing, so we believe, the great species to
which belonged Jumbo, and also the bearer of the enormous
tusks presented to the Zoological Society by Mr. Charles T.
Barney. Like all elephants newly arrived from Africa,
they are young, and small; but if they have good health
they will grow very rapidly, and about A. D. 1927 they
should attain full stature, — 11 feet at the shoulders for the
male, or thereabouts.
The different species of elephants are most easily recog-
nized by their ears. Compare the enormous "sail-area" of
the ears of this species with the small, triangular ear of the
Indian elephant, and the small, round ear of the next species.
The West African Elephant, (Elephas cyclotis}, of equa-
torial West Africa, especially the Congo country, is appar-
ently a small species, not exceeding seven feet in height, —
even if that height ever is attained. Mr. Carl Hagenbeck re-
ports that out of nearly 300 pairs of tusks of this species
examined by him in the German ivory market, not one pair
exceeded two feet in length, and many measured only 10
inches.
On July 25, 1905, we received a male specimen represent-
ing this species, as a gift from Mr. Barney. It is strikingly
marked by its small round ears, and the presence of 5 toes
on each fore-foot and 4 on the hind foot, the number in the
East African species being 4 and 3, respectively. At the
time of its arrival, little ' ' Congo ' ' stood 43 inches in shoulder
height, his weight was precisely 600 pounds, and his tusks
were 4 inches long. Owing to a peculiar skin disease which
he brought with him from Africa, his growth has been re-
tarded, and thus far his increase in height has not been
satisfactory.
Regarding the life history and distribution of this odd
species, much remains to be ascertained; and precise in-
formation is greatly desired.
The African Two-Horned Rhinoceros, (Rhinoceros bicor-
nis), is already represented by two fine young specimens,
both of which were acquired in 1906. Fortunately one is a
male and the other a female. The former is a gift from Mr.
Frederick G. Bourne. The female was captured in July,
NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK. 77
YOUNG AFRICAN" TWO-HORNED RHINOCEROS.
1905, in the northern point of German East Africa, within
about sixty miles of the head of Speke Gulf, which is the
southeastern arm of Lake Victoria Nyanza. The elevation
.is between 4,000 and 5,000 feet. It was slung under a pole,
"and carried, six days' journey on men's shoulders, to the
shore of the lake.
The male specimen was captured very near the same spot
.which furnished the female, but one year later, (July, 1906),
and in the same manner was carried to the lake front. From
thence, both animals were transported by steamer to 'Port
Florence, at the head of the Uganda Railway, thence by
rail 500 miles to Mombasa.
On April 1, 1907, the male Rhinoceros,— which has been
named "Speke," — was 30^4 inches in shoulder height, and
the female, christened "Victoria," was 39 inches high. Both
animals are now in excellent health, and the latter has
grown very rapidly since her arrival here.
. The African Two-Horned Rhinoceros once was very abun-
dant throughout the whole of the fertile plains region of
east and south Africa, but the onslaughts of hunters have
exterminated it from probably nine-tenths of the territory
that it once occupied. To-day, the Englishmen of Africa are
earnestly endeavoring to regulate and abate the slaughter
78
POPULAR OFFICIAL GUIDE.
HIPPOPOTAMUS.
of African big game, and beyond doubt safe, good results
in that line are being accomplished. It is to be hoped that
the protection lines will now be drawn so tightly around
the game that remains that it will be perpetuated for cen-
turies to come.
The Indian Rhinoceros, (Rhinoceros unicornis). — A full-
grown Indian Rhinoceros is one of the most wonderful of all
living animals. It seems like a prehistoric monster, belong-
ing to the days of the dinosaurs, rather than a creature of
to-day ; and the killing of so grand a creature solely for the
sake of "sport," and a stuffed head to hang upon a wall, is
murder, no less. It is quite time that the most wonderful
works of animated Nature should universally be recognized
as safe from attack with the rifle and knife.
So pronounced is the rarity of the great Indian Rhinoceros,
it is a fact that for nearly fifteen years no living specimens
came into the wild-animal market. At last, however, the per-
sistence and industry of the renowned Carl Hagenbeck was
rewarded by the capture, in 1906, of four young specimens,
all of which reached Hamburg in May, 1907. One of the
best specimens of the quartette was purchased for the New
York Zoological Park, and its arrival at the Park is expected
NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK.
79
SOUTH AMERICAN TAPIR.
to be coincident with the issue of this edition of the Guide
Book to the members of the Society.
The Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros is the largest of all liv-
ing rhinoceroses. A full-grown male is about 5 feet, 6 inches
in shoulder height, and 10 feet 6 inches long from end of
nose to root of tail. The length of the horn is not great,
rarely exceeding 12 inches. The skin is very thick, and lies
upon the animal in great rigid slabs which are divided by
articulating areas of thinner skin.
This species now is so greatly reduced in number and in
area that it is found only in a small portion of northeastern
India, and is practically restricted to the plains of Assam. It
dislikes hills, and inhabits the swampy plains that are thickly
covered with high, coarse grass and brush. In disposition it
is by no means savage or dangerous to man.
The Hippopotamus, (Hippopotamus amphibius), is more
frequently seen in captivity than any of the large rhinoce-
roses, or the African elephant. In the lakes and large rivers
of central East Africa it still exists in fair numbers, and
still is killed for "sport."
Strange as it may seem, this very inert and usually leth-
argic monster can, under what it deems just provocation,
become very angry, and even dangerous. Four years ago,
80 POPULAR OFFICIAL GUIDE.
in one of the rivers of Uganda, a hippopotamus not only
overturned a boat, but killed one of its native occupants by
biting him. ,
The Hippopotamus breeds readily in captivity, even under
poor conditions, and the supply for the zoological gardens
of the world is chiefly maintained in that way. The fine
male specimen exhibited in the Zoological Park was pur-
chased from the Central Park Menagerie, for $3,000, and is
a gift from Mr. Samuel Thorne. He was born on July 13,
1904. His weight on July 14, 1906, at two years of age,
was 1,700 pounds ; and he is growing rapidly.
The Tapirs.— Near the end of the Order of Hoofed Ani-
mals, (Ungnlata), is found the Tapir Family, represented
in both the old world and the new, by about five species.
These very odd creatures inhabit the densest forests of the
tropics, where vegetation grows rankly, and few other large
hoofed animals can live. They are very fond of water, and
swim well. Until the Elephant House is ready, one pair of
Tapirs will be found in the Antelope House.
The South American Tapir, (Tapirus terrestris), takes
kindly to captivity, breeds in confinement, and always man-
ages to look well-fed and as sleek as a seal. Its color is a
rich mahogany brown, and its long, prehensile nose is
strongly suggestive of the end of an elephant's trunk. The
shoulder height of a full-grown animal is about 37 inches.
This species inhabits Venezuela, the Guianas, Brazil, Para-
guay, Uruguay and some other regions of South America.
Some of the Central American Tapirs inhabit mountain re-
gions, but all are exceedingly wary, and difficult to find
without dogs.
The Malay Tapir, (Tapirus indicus}, of the Malay Penin-
sula and Sumatra, may be recognized as far as it can be seen,
by its colors. The front half of the animal, and its legs,
are black or dark brown, and the rear half of the body is
white. It is much larger than the preceding species. No.
specimens will be shown prior to the occupancy of the
Elephant House.
THE WOLF DENS, No. 22.
At the northeastern corner of the Elk Range there is a
huge, bare granite rock, two hundred feet long, shaped pre-
cisely like the hump of a bull buffalo. The high end of the
NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK. 81
hump is toward the north, and its crest is about fifteen feet
above the ground on its eastern side. A fringe of small
trees and bushes grows along its western side. On the east
side, well sheltered by the rock itself from the cold west
winds of winter, and also shaded by several fine trees which
most opportunely grow close beside the ledge, the Wolf
Dens and Fox Dens are situated.
In regard to the iron work, these dens are merely an
understudy of the Bear Dens. The dimensions of each den
of the series are 16 by 48 feet, and the height of the bars to
the top of the overhang is 9 feet 6 inches. The sleeping
dens are of simple construction, all save one being of wood,
trimmed with bark-covered slabs. At present the Wolf
Dens are divided into four compartments.
The Gray Wolf, (Canis nnbilis), is known by as many
names as it has color phases. In the North, where it is
white, it is called the "White Wolf," while in Florida it
becomes the "Black Wolf." In British Columbia and
around Great Slave Lake, both white and black wolves
abound, as well as the standard gray, but on the Barren
Grounds the white phase predominates. In Texas a "Red
Wolf" is found, but apparently the red phase is of somewhat
rare occurrence, and is never found in the North.
In the West this animal has recently come into prominence
in a way that is striking terror to the hearts of ranchmen
and others who have stock to lose. While all kinds of de-
sirable game animals are decreasing at an alarming rate,
the Gray Wolf not only holds its own, but is multiplying
rapidly. The destruction by it of calves, colts, and sheep,
has become so great that nearly every western state has
placed on the head of this bold marauder a bounty varying
from $2 to $10. In some States this law has been in force
for several years, but with no sensible diminution in the
number of wolves.
The Gray Wolves which live in touch with civilization are
by no means such bold and dangerous animals as they for-
merly were. In the early days, when wolves were numerous
and fire-arms few and primitive, the Gray Wolf undoubtedly
was a dangerous animal. But the breech-loading rifle has
changed all this. Excepting for his stock-killing propensi-
ties, the Gray Wolf is now a skulking creature. In the
United States this animal possesses the courage of a coyote,
but in the Barren Grounds it is still fierce and dangerous.
However much the wolf may skulk and flee when the way is
<jpen, when brought to bay he knows how to fight. One
snap of his powerful jaws and shear-like teeth is enough to
82 POPULAR OFFICIAL GUIDE.
TASMANIA* WOLF.
disable almost any dog, and send it howling to the rear.
It is no wonder that western dogs of experience are shy of
approaching a Gray Wolf within snapping distance.
Excepting the localities from which it has been driven
.out by civilization, the Gray Wolf ranges over the whole
North American continent from central Mexico to 83° 24' N.
The Coyote, or Prairie Wolf, (Canis latrans), is a personal
acquaintance of nearly every trans-continental traveler. To
those who have camped on the "plains," he is quite like
an old friend ; and the high-pitched, staccato cry — half howl
and half bark — with which he announces the dawn, is asso-
ciated with memories of vast stretches of open country,
magnificent distances, sage-brush and freedom. Because
of his fondness of barking, Thomas Say, the naturalist who
first described this species, christened it, Canis latrans, which
means "barking wolf."
This animal averages about one-third smaller than the
gray wolf, and while the finest male specimens are, in the
autumn, really handsome animals, at other times the major-
ity are of very ordinary appearance. At no time, however,
even in the dark, is a Coyote a courageous animal. So far
as man is concerned, a band of a thousand coyotes would be
as easily put to flight as one ; but in hanging upon the ragged
edges of civilization, and living by its wits, the Coyote is
audacity itself. By inheritance, and also by personal ex-
perience this animal knows to a rod how far it is safe to
trust a man with a gun. If the hunter has left his gun
NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK. 83
behind him, the Coyote knows it at once, and boldly flaunts
himself within stone 's throw of his enemy.
The Coyote varies in color quite markedly, exhibiting the
gray, brown and black phases. Formerly it was supposed
that one species comprehended all, but Dr. Merriam's series
of specimens from all parts of the West and Southwest have
led him to separate these animals into eleven species.
THE FOX DENS, No. 23.
Of the many species of foxes found in North America,
three species stand forth as the types of prominent groups,
and it is very desirable that all three should be well known.
The Red Fox, (Vulpes fulvus), is the representative of the
group which contains also the cross fox and black fox of
the Northwest. In spite of dogs, traps, guns, spades and
poison, this cunning creature persists in living in close
touch with the poultry yards of civilized man. His perfect
familiarity with old-fashioned dangers enables him to avoid
them all, and no sooner does a new danger menace him, than
he promptly invents a way to escape it. The manner in
which the Red Fox lives with civilization without being ex-
terminated really is surprising, and speaks volumes for the
astuteness of this animal.
The geographical range of the Red Fox is very wide. From
North Carolina and Tennessee, it extends northward through
the whole northeastern United States, gradually bearing
westward to Montana, and northward almost to the Arctic
Ocean. It is the commonest species in Alaska, where it is
found practically everywhere.
The typical Red Fox, and its two subspecies, the Cross Fox,
( Vulpes fulvus decussatus) , and the Black Fox, ( V . f. argen-
tatus] — the latter many times miscalled the "Silver Fox"-
vary in all possible gradations of color from bright red to
pure black. Often it is difficult to decide where one species
leaves off and another begins. The Cross Fox stands mid-
way between the Red and Black, with some of the yellow
color of the former on the sides of the neck and behind the
foreleg, while the remainder of the general color is grizzled
gray-brown laid across his shoulders in a more or less dis-
tinct cross. The Black Fox varies in color from very dark
iron-gray to dark brown or black, with a slight wash of
white-tipped hairs over the head, body and tail. The tip of
84 POPULAR OFFICIAL GUIDE.
the tail is always white, which is the only constant color
mark about him.
The Swift, or Kit Fox, (Vulpes velo.?}, is the daintiest,
smallest and liveliest of all American foxes. From his del-
icate little nose to the tip of his well-trimmed tail, he is
every inch a thoroughbred. His countenance is bright and
pert, and when several specimens are kept together they
are very playful. One striking feature of this little animal
is what may well be termed its trimness. When in fair con-
dition, its coat of thick, silvery gray fur is as smooth and
even as if recently trimmed by a barber.
On the western plains, where it once had for companions
the buft'alo and prong-horn, the Swift is becoming rare. Its
worst enemy is the deadly strychnine bottle of the ranch-
man. This species does not thrive in the Fox Dens, and it
will be found in the Burrowing Animal 's Quarters, where it
seems pleased to consider itself at home.
In the Small-Mammal House is shown a new species,
closely allied to the above, from Phoenix, Arizona, recently
described by Dr. C. H. Merriam as Vulpes macrotis, or the
Large-Eared Swift.
The Gray Fox, (Urocyon virginianus) , is the fox of the
South, even though it does range northward well into the
territory of the red fox. This species is distinctly smaller
and more lightly built than the red, its hair is not so luxu-
riant, it is more shy and retiring, and its colors change very
little. When hotly pursued by dogs it oftens climbs trees
that are quite perpendicular, to a height of twenty feet or
more. In captivity Gray Foxes are forever trying to escape
by climbing, instead of by burrowing, as would naturally be
expected. In temper, they are treacherous to their keepers,
and also to each other, and as "pets" are anything but
desirable.
The Tasmanian Wolf, or Thylacine, (Thylacinus cyno-
cephalus}. — In the most southerly yard of the Fox Dens will
be found a very strange-looking and interesting creature,
about the size of a pointer dog. Its color is dark yellowish
brown, and it has a series of broad black stripes, or bands,
running across its hind quarters and loins. The wide gape
of its mouth reminds one of an iguana or a monitor.
This animal, fully named above, is the largest of the car-
nivorous marsupials of Australia, and the female possesses
an abdominal pouch in which she carries her young, like a
kangaroo. It is now found only in Tasmania, and it dwells
amongst rocks, in rugged and mountainous regions. Be-
NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK. 85
cause of its depredations upon the sheep herds, the Thyla-
cine has been diligently hunted and destroyed, and now
living specimens rarely are taken.
In the zoological gardens of Europe and America, this
species usually is kept in heated buildings; but having
ascertained by experiment that this specimen thrives best in
the open air, it is kept all the year round in one of the Fox
Dens, where it has lived comfortably for four years.
THE OTTER POOLS, No. 31.
The American Otter, (Lutra canadensis) , is unfortunate
in being the bearer of valuable fur; and in the northern
regions, where the cold causes the development of fur that
is available for the use of the furrier, this creature is so
nearly extinct that trappers no longer pursue it. In the
southern states, where its fur is short, rather coarse and
"off color," the Otter still is found. In some portions of
eastern Florida, and along the coast of South Carolina, it is
frequently taken. In captivity it often becomes quite tame,
even affectionate, and always is interesting. Unless closely
confined, however, it is prone to wander, and meet premature
death.
In captivity the Otter usually is active and restless, and
very much in evidence. Owing to the strength of its jaws,
its ability to climb under certain conditions and its restless
activity, it is difficult to confine a full-grown otter in any-
thing else than a complete box of iron cage-work.
Few persons save woodsmen and naturalists are aware of
the fact that in a wild state the Otter is a very playful ani-
mal, and is as fond of sliding down hill, over a wet and
muddy slide, with a water plunge at the bottom, as any
young person is of "shooting the chutes." Like the small
boy with the sled and a snowy hillside, the Otter sometimes
indulges in its sliding pastime for an hour at a time, with a
keen relish for the sport that is quite evident to all who have
ever watched it.
The Otter is a carnivorous animal, and in a wild state
lives upon fish, frogs, crabs, young birds, small mammals,
and, in fact, about any living thing which it can catch.
The Coypu Rat, (Myopotamus coypu), of Central and
South America, is interesting because of the fact that it is
the largest of all rats or rat-like animals. In its habits it
NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK. 87
is as fond of water as the musk-rat. It is sufficiently clothed
with fur to endure outdoor life in the Park, even in winter,
and it has been acclimatized here in one of the other pools.
It breeds persistently, and thrives in captivity, provided it is
treated as it should be.
THE SMALL-MAMMAL HOUSE, No. 35.
The new Small-Mammal House, erected and occupied in
1905, is a very different structure from the temporary build-
ing which formerly occupied the site. The present building
is a twin of the Ostrich House, and in it much effort has been
expended in devising ways and means to keep its living
inhabitants clean, odorless and in good health. Owing, how-
ever, to the musky odors secreted by many of the civet cats
and members of the Marten Family, it is beyond human
power to keep a large collection such as this building con-
tains without a certain amount of wild-animal odor.
Most difficult of all collections to settle satisfactorily in a
modern zoological park or garden is the great omnium
gatherum of small species — and some large ones, also — which
fall within the meaning of the term "small mammals." The
number of mammalian miscellanea which can not have build-
ings all their own is really very great. In addition to that
there are always with us a considerable number of young
and tender animals which require small quarters, and close
attention. The visitor will therefore always find in the
Small-Mammal House a great array of viverrine animals, of
tropical squirrels and other small rodents, of mustelines,
the nasuas, the small marsupials, young leopards, the lynxes
and their relatives, baby bears, and many other species.
Attention is invited to the great variety of cages in and
around this building, of which there are five different types.
The total number is 176. All those on the western side are
adjustable as to their bottoms and sides, so that it is easy
to throw several cages into one, and make cages either
very long or very high. The idea of the collapsible cage,
and also the general plan of it, has been copied from the
model developed and in use in the Zoological Garden of
Frankfort, Germany, by Director A. Seitz, to whom this
acknowledgment is justly due. It will be noticed that
every animal in this building enjoys the use of an outdoor
cage, which connects directly with its interior quarters,
POPULAR OFFICIAL GUIDE.
Of such an odd mixture of animals as we are now to con-
sider, anything like a perfect systematic zoological arrange-
ment is a practical impossibility ; but as far as it is possible,
we will take up the animals by groups.
On the whole, the most striking animals in the Small-
Mammal House are the small cats and lynxes. Of the
spotted cats, the Serval, (Felis serval), of Africa, is one of
the rarest. Its long, slender legs, small head, slender body
and round spots proclaim it a near relative to the cheetah.
The Clouded Leopards, (F. nebulosa), are now dead, but in-
asmuch as they will be replaced, it is well to point out that
the species referred to is one of the most beautifully marked
of all parti-colored cats. It is a native of Burma and
Malayana as far south as Borneo and Java. In total length
this interesting and very rare species is from 66 to 70 inches,
and its enormously long and curved canines are suggestive
of the canines of the sabre-toothed tiger.
The Jungle Cat, (F. bengalensis), is a small and incon-
spicuous type, as befits an animal which lives by stealth in
densely populated regions. The Ocelot, (Felis pardalis), of
South and Central America, is a small spotted cat which
very often is called a "young jaguar." In size it is the
third largest Felis of the American continent; but for all
that, it is so small that an adult specimen would not make
NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK. 89
more than one square meal for a hungry jaguar. It is
found from southern Texas to southern Brazil.
The little Margay Cat, (F. tigrina], is our smallest and
also rarest spotted cat. It is no larger than a good-sized
domestic cat, and its tawny ground-color is marked all over
with round spots. The rarest American feline in our pos-
session is the queer, otter-like Yaguarimdi Cat, (F. yagua-
rondi) : of a uniform gray-brown color, without spots. It
is found in southern Texas and Mexico, and is so seldom seen
in captivity that comparatively few persons north of the
Rio Grande are aware of its existence. Our specimen came
from Brownsville, Texas.
The Bay Lynx, Red Lynx, or Wild Cat, (Lynx rufus), is
the smallest of American Lynxes, arid it is the one that in-
habits the United States eastward of the great plains. Until
further notice, this species will be found in the Small-Mam-
mal House. It may have a few dark spots, or none at all.
Its color varies so greatly that it is at times impossible to
determine where this «peeies leaves off, and the more heavily
spotted subspecies of the southwest takes its place. The
latter is known as the Spotted Lynx, (L. r. maculatns).
Young Leopards and Jaguars. — Owing to the necessity of
keeping young animals of the large feline species in cages of
proper size to best meet their wants in early life, the Small-
Mammal House may be expected to contain, at any and all
times, a small assortment of young leopards, jaguars, pumas,
or even tigers and lions. At this date it contains a fine
young Jaguar, procured in the State of Sonora, Mexico, and
presented by Mrs. Arthur Curtiss James. It is growing
rapidly, and becoming so assertive in temper that ere long
it will require to be removed to the Lion House. There are
also here two fine young Leopards.
The large and important group of Viverrines, or long-
faced cat-like carnivores of the East Indies, (Family Viver-
ridae), is well represented. It is the true Civets which fur-
nish— some of them — the evil-smelling civet of commerce —
an odor which we would gladly do without. The Common
Civet-Cat, (Viverra zibetha), is the best known member of
this Family, and it is easily recognized by its large size,
heavily-spotted body and ring-streaked tail. It is common
throughout the Malay Peninsula, and in many other portions
of the Malay Archipelago. The larger Malayan Civet-Cat,
(V . malaccensis], strongly resembles its understudy, but its
black spots and blotches are larger and more intense, and in
form it is much more robust.
90
POPULAR OFFICIAL GUIDE.
HYAENA DOG.
The large and handsome White-Whiskered Paradoxure,
(Paradoxurus leucomystax], has been in the Park about six
years, and to-day it coughs and snarls at the visitor just as
it did in the beginning. It is a smooth-coated creature,
colored like a puma, and comes from northern China. Other
members of the Family Viverridae contained in the collection
are the Malayan Paradoxure, (P. hermaphroditus) • the Black
Paradoxure, (P. niger) ; the African Ichneumon, (Herpestes
ichneumon], the strange black creature from the Malay Pe-
ninsula called the Binturong, or "Bear-Cat," (Arctictis bin-
turong] , and the Suricate, or Slender-Tailed Meerkat, (Suri-
cata tetradactyla), of South Africa.
Into the Small-Mammal House have drifted and comfort-
ably settled down several canine species which were not
satisfied elsewhere. Of these, the most interesting and valu-
able is the Hyaena Dog, (Lycaon pictus) , of eastern Africa,
a mottle-coated creature with a dog-like body and a head
like a hyaena. His mottled brindled coat— a medley of
yellow, brown and black — seems to have paused uncertainly
in an effort to become either distinctly hyaena-like or dog-
like. In a wild state this animal is quite savage and cour-
ageous. It hunts in packs, and pulls down antelopes many
times larger than itself.
The New Mexico Desert Fox, (Vulpes macrotis neomexi-
canus), is a small understudy of the better known Swift or
Kit Fox of the northern plains, but it has larger ears,
NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK. 91
Neither of these delicate little species seems to thrive in our
large Fox Dens, which seem to be too large for them ; but
in this building they thrive and are quite content with life.
The Swift Fox is the four-footed elf of the plains, and it
is unfortunate that the poison laid for the fierce and cruel
stock-killing wolves should prove its extermination — as it
surely will, ere long.
The Arctic Fox, (Vulpes lagopus).—Thi$ creature of the
polar world is a striking example of climatic influence on a
species, and also of the danger that lies in describing a spe-
cies from a single specimen. In the far north, the Arctic
Fox is snow-white all the year round. Farther south it is
white in winter, but in summer is bluish-brown. In the
southern part of its range, the Aleutian Archipelago for
example, except for an occasional white individual, it is dark
all the year round, and is known only as the Blue Fox. At
first it may seem difficult to believe that these two widely-
different extremes are only color-phases of the same species ;
but it is quite true. The dark-colored animal is not even
accorded subspecific rank.
On various islands along the Alaska coast, especially in
the Aleutian Archipelago, about forty commercial companies
are engaged in breeding Blue Foxes for their fur, some of
them with satisfactory success. The foxes are fed daily,
on cooked corn meal and dried fish. They come up to be
fed, and when the time comes to handle and sort them
previous to killing the annual allotment, they greatly facil-
itate matters by the readiness with which they enter box
traps.
The great decrease in the annual supply of good fur has
caused many persons to hope that fox-breeding may be
developed into a remunerative industry. Except in Alaska,
no extensive experiments in that line have been made. It
is quite desirable that fox-breeding in the United States
should be taken up under state or national auspices, and
worked out to a successful issue. There is good reason to
hope and believe that it might be developed into an im-
portant industry.
From Argentina, South America, have come two fine
specimens of the Azara Dog, (Canis azarae}, which, but for
their half dog-like tails might pass anywhere as rather odd-
looking gray foxes. But they are a visible reminder of the
fact that the pampas of South America contain an extensive
series of foxes and wild dogs, which thus far is practically
unknown everywhere north of the Amazon. We have now
92 POPULAR OFFICIAL GUIDE.
under engagement a specimen of the largest and most re-
markable of those forms — the Maned Wolf, (Canis jnbatus),
and its arrival is expected in the spring of 1907. Its enor-
mous length of legs gives this animal a height which is in-
credible until seen. If it arrives safely, it will, in all prob-
ability, be regarded by visitors to the Park as the most
remarkable of all living canine animals. It will be quar-
tered in the Small Mammal House, in one of the large east-
ern cages.
The Dingo, or Australian Wild Dog, (Canis dingo), is
represented by two specimens which look like ordinary
yellow dogs. By many persons it is believed that this ani-
mal was not indigenous to Australia, and was planted there
by man, but the evidence in support of that supposition is
by no means conclusive.
The remaining carnivores in the Small-Mammal House
include the ill-tempered and ill-favored Malay Sun Bear,
(Ursus malayanus], \vhich can not live outside in cold
weather, and which enjoys nothing save the distinction of
being the most cross-grained and quarrelsome of all bears.
The Coati-Mundi, (pronounced coy-ty mon-day), is for
its size one of the best exhibition animals that can be found
outside of the Primate House. It is closely related to our
raccoon, but is far more showy and interesting. It has a
very lively and industrious disposition, is a good climber,
and from dawn until dark is almost constantly on the move.
Although it is a carnivorous animal, and provided with
powerful canine teeth, it is not naturally quarrelsome, but
on the contrary is quite gregarious in its habits. The genus
Nasua inhabits Mexico, Central and South America. We
have two species, the Red Coati-Mondi, (Nasua rufa), and
the White-Nosed, (N. narica).
The Raccoon Dog-, of Japan, (Nycter 'eutes procyonoides),
is to all outward appearances a raccoon, but its feet are
digitigrade, not plantigrade, and it is a true dog.
The American Badger, (Ta.ridea americana], is repre-
sented by a fine, large and very light-colored specimen that
was presented by President Roosevelt. The European Bad-
ger, (Meles ta.rus), is shown near by.
Our collection of Rodents contains the following im-
portant and representative species of squirrels :
NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK.
93
AFRICAN PORCUPINE.
NORTH AMERICAN.
Gray Squirrel Sciurus carolinensis New York.
Black Squirrel
Fox Squirrel
Southern Fox Squirrel .
Red Squirrel
Eastern Chipmunk
Western Chipmunk ....
Parry's Sperinophile .
Ohio.
. . " ludoviciamis Kansas.
niger Louisiana.
. . " hudsoniits New York.
. .Tamias stnatus "
speciosus California.
Citellus parryi Alaska.
Thirteen-Lined Spermophile. .tipcrmophilus tridccem-lineatus. . Iowa.
FOREIGN SPECIES.
Malabar Hill Squirrel Sciurus malabaricus S. India.
Indian Hill Squirrel " Mcolor N. India.
Prevost Squirrel " prevosti Malayana.
Golden-Bellied Squirrel " aurcigaster Mexico.
Columbia Fire-Backed Squirrel variabilis S. America.
No collection of Rodents is worthy of acceptance by the
public without a fair representation of Porcupines. The
most wonderful species is the African Porcupine, (Hystrix
cristata), which when disturbed erects a threatening array
of enormously-long, shining black-and-white quills that are
94 POPULAR OFFICIAL GUIDE.
a wonder to behold. The lofty white crest of this animal
is one of its most conspicuous features.
The Indian Crestless Hill Porcupine, (/-/. longicaudar},
usually present in our collection, is merely a quiet under-
study of the former. Strange to say — and also provok-
ing— our old friend of the North Woods, the Canada Porcu-
pine, (Erethizon dorsatus*), is much more capricious and
difficult to keep for a long period than either of the fine
foreign species already mentioned. It is only the men who
know all about animals who can tell us why nothing seems
to exactly satisfy them, and why they will not breed here,
live ten years and be happy. Even the best cage life does
not seem to be good enough for them; but we are still
experimenting.
In order that visitors to the Park may at all times be
able to see a Beaver, (Castor canadensis], and not be
thwarted in that desire by the very shy habits of the ani-
mals in the Beaver Pond, we have a specimen on exhibition
in the Small-Mammal House. This individual came from
the Eio Grande, as a small kit, and has been reared in its
present quarters. It is kept constantly supplied with food-
wood, chiefly of poplar and maple, and clean water in which
to bathe.
The Capybara, (Hydrochaerus capybara} , is the largest of
all gnawing animals, and the most remarkable rodent in our
collection. In form and size it suggests a large, gray,
coarse-haired pig. It is a water- loving animal, of the Amer-
ican tropics, and lives on the grassy banks of the delta of
the Orinoco, and similar places farther south. It is one of
the best divers of all land animals, and when attacked on
land always plunges into the water and dives for about
100 feet before coming to the surface. It is strictly a vege-
table feeder, and its flesh is very palatable food. It takes
kindly to captivity, and in disposition it is very affectionate.
The Agouti, (Dasyprocta), is to the jungles of South
America as the cotton-tail rabbit is to the forests of the
eastern United States; but structurally it is not closely
related to the members of the Rabbit Family. It lives
wholly on the ground, in dense cover, and is very difficult
to shoot. As a rule, it is impossible for dogs to catch it
because it runs so swiftly through the dense cover that they
can not keep it in sight. There are a number of species,
varying in color from dark brown to golden yellow.
The Toothless Mammals. — The Order Edentata contains
NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK. 95
CANADA PORCUPINE.
some of the most odd and remarkable mammals that ever
find their way into a zoological park. They are the arma-
dilloes, ant-eaters and sloths. Without exception, they are
delicate feeders, and difficult to keep for long periods, and
for this reason the number on exhibition constantly varies
between half a score and none at all ! As far as it is possi-
ble, the species named below will be kept on exhibition;
but these rarities are difficult to obtain, and the supply
must be regarded as intermittent.
The Nine-Banded Armadillo, (Tatu novemcinctum} , of
southern Texas and Arizona, and southward, is the only
edentate found in the United States. Its total length, from
nose to tail-tip, is about 26 inches, and it is about as large
as an opossum. Its strangest feature is the horny shell,
with 9 jointed bands in the middle, which Nature has de-
signed for the animal's protection. It lives in burrows in
the earth, and in a wild state it feeds on a mixed diet of
worms, ants, snails, beetles, grasshoppers and other in-
sects.
The Six-Banded Armadillo, (Dasypus sexcinctus), of South
America, has a much stronger and more bony shell than the
preceding species, but very similar habits. The Three-
POPULAR OFFICIAL GUIDE.
NIXE-EAXDED ARMADILLO.
Banded Armadillo, (Tolypeutes tricinctus), is the most re-
markable of all — and also the most difficult to obtain. It
is able to convert itself into a round ball covered at all
points by bony armor, and remarkably well protected from
the teeth of predatory animals.
The Great Ant-Eater, (Myrmccophaga jubata).— This is a
very remarkable animal, and usually is to be found alive in
the Small-Mammal House. Its anatomical peculiarities are
apparent at a glance. Its toothless jaws are enormously
elongated, and taper to a rounded point, where the mouth
opens as a narrow slit, scarcely large enough to admit the
large end of a lead pencil. Its front claws are large and
strong, for use in tearing open ant-hills and decayed logs;
and the creature walks upon them as if club-footed. Its
tail is long and thic-k, and bears a luxuriant brush of coarse,
wavy hair more than a foot long. The negroes of British
Guiana gravely inform travellers that the Ant-Eater uses
his bushy tail as a broom, with which he sweeps up ants in
order to devour them wholesale.
As may be inferred from the total absence of teeth, this
strange creature lives chiefly upon crawling insects. In de-
vouring the dreadful ants, which in a South American forest
often make life a burden, it helps to preserve the balance of
Nature. In captivity the food of this animal consists of
NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK.
97
milk, raw eggs, and ground meat. In taking its food it
thrusts out from four to eight inches of round, wormlike
tongue, which, contrary to many published statements, is
not covered with sticky saliva.
The Tamandua, (Tamandua tetradactyla], is a smaller
ant-eater than the preceding species, of tree-climbing habits,
with a proportionately shorter head, no long hair on its
tail, and extremely large front claws. It is found in Venez-
uela, the Guianas, Brazil, and in fact the greater portion
of the region of tropical forests on this continent south of
Mexico. Its tail is prehensile, or grasping, and in climbing
is used almost constantly.
The Sloths are the slowest, the most helpless and defense-
less of the edentates. They subsist chiefly upon leaves,
they climb no more swiftly than a man, and they escape
their enemies through the resemblance of their pelage to
the rough bark of the tree-trunks among which they live.
They have a few teeth, but none for defense, and their claws
are of use only in climbing, except that they can pinch with
them.
Two species of Sloth are occasionally seen in the Zoolog-
ic'al Park, but usually in the Primate House, where the
high temperature is better suited to their needs.
NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK. 99
The Three-Toed Sloth, (Brady pus tridactylus) , is the one
with a brown ''saddle-mark" of short hair in the middle of
its back. The remainder of its pelage is coarse and long,
and its greenish tint renders it a close imitation of algae-
covered tree-bark. The Two-Toed Sloth, (Choloepus hoff-
mani), is much larger than the preceding, and lives longer
in captivity. Until recently a fine female specimen, with
her young, was exhibited in the Primate House, where it
lived about eighteen months. Unlike most captive sloths,
it was fond of climbing about the tree-branches which
were placed in its cage.
The Egg-Laying Mammals. — For several months recently
there were exhibited here two Echidnas — of all small mam-
mals ever seen alive in New York the most wonderful. The
Echidna conies from Australia, the home of most ancient
types of mammals, and belongs to the lowest Order of Mam-
mals, (Monotremata). Like its distant relative, the duck-
billed platypus, it reproduces by laying eggs! Its back
is covered with short but very thick spines, and its nose is
a long, slender beak, absolutely unique. Other examples of
this species will be exhibited whenever possible.
THE PUMA AND LYNX HOUSE, No. 33A.
Near the Small-Mammal House (No. 35) will be found
a log cabin with its entire front opening into two wire-
covered yards. The interior of the building is provided
with sleeping-dens in which the occupants of the two enclo-
sures can keep dry and warm. This installation is for
lynxes, but half of it is occupied by pumas. Already it
has fully proven the desirability of keeping lynxes and
pumas constantly in the open air, and without artificial
heat. To lynxes especially there is nothing more deadly
than a well-heated room, indoors.
The Puma, (Felis concolor], is described in the section
relating to the Lion House, where other Pumas are exhib-
ited, (page 60).
Of the Lynxes, we have two well-defined species, and
one subspecies. The Canada Lynx, (Lynx canadensis), is
well represented in the southern compartment of the Puma
House, where a fine adult pair has become acclimatized.
This is the Loup Cervier of the French Canadians, and it is
100 POPULAIt OFFICIAL GUIDE.
truly the Lynx of Canada and the subarctic North. It has
no spots on its body, and its pelage is of a cold pepper-and-
salt gray color. Its feet are large and heavily furred, and
it has a long, black hair-pencil on the tip of each ear. A
large specimen stands 18 inches high, and weighs 22 pounds.
The food of the American Lynxes generally consists of hares
and rabbits, ground birds of all kinds, and anything else
that can be caught and killed, except porcupine. To man
they are not "dangerous animals."
The Red Lynx, Bay Lynx or Wild-Cat, as it is variously
called, (Lynx rufus), is the smallest of American Lynxes,
and also the one most generally known throughout the
eastern United States. It has small feet, a reddish-gray
coat, which frequently is spotted, and no hair pencil on the
tip of each ear. Until further notice, our specimens of this
species will be found near by, in the Small-Mammal House.
THE BURROWING MAMMALS, AND OTHERS, No. 42.
North America is wonderfully rich in species of gnawing
animals, and the end is not yet. The investigations of our
mammalogists are adding new species with a degree of
rapidity and parallelism that is fairly bewildering.
It is the duty of the Zoological Society to do its utmost to
increase as much as possible the sum total of knowledge of
our largest Order of Mammals. Manifestly, however, it is
impracticable to do more than place before visitors a reason-
able number of well-chosen types, which shall represent as
many as possible of the twelve Families, and also the genera
most worth knowing.
The most serious obstacle in the way of anyone who
attempts to exhibit collections of living rodents lies in the
natural propensity of so many species to keep out of sight
during the daytime. This is particularly true of the mem-
bers of the Mouse, Pocket Gopher, and Pouched Rat Families,
comprising about three hundred species in all. With very
few exceptions, the whole matter of the exhibition of collec-
tions of living rodents is something new, and every step is
an experiment. In the belief that even the most shy bur-
rowing animals will appreciate abundant room,, perfectly
natural surroundings, plenty of food, and immunity from
annoyance, and eventually fall into the habit of spending
many of the daylight hours above ground, as do prairie-
NRW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK. 101
dogs, the Society has constructed a series of fifteen small
yards, each 10x20 feet, bounded by walls going down to
bedrock, and enclosed above by a box-like arrangement of
very light wire-netting 5. feet high. The ground is chiefly
undisturbed soil of a firm and gravelly nature, thoroughly
drained, and all earth filling has been tightly rammed into
place to prevent caving in the burrows. Above ground,
each yard contains weathered rocks, stumps, and hollow
logs in abundance.
In these fifteen yards, each of which will hold specimens of
at least two or three species, will be placed strongly marked
types of those Families whose representatives are most nu-
merous in North America, and also the least known, only a
few of which may be mentioned here.
The Sewellel Family, (Aplodontidae] , contains five or six
species and is of unusual scientific interest. The Sewellel,
Mountain Beaver, Farmer or "Showt'l" (Aplodontia rufus
and major], is an animal of the size and general appearance
of a large, short-tailed muskrat. It inhabits a few localities
in remote regions in the mountain-valleys of northern Cali-
fornia, Oregon, Washington, and southern British Columbia.
It feeds like a beaver, climbs bushes four feet high, burrows
in wet ground, and fights like a little fiend when brought to
bay. Notwithstanding the size of this animal, it is very sel-
dom seen, and is but little known.
The Squirrel Family, (Sc'iuridae}, is large (one hundred
and forty-one species), very interesting, and entitled to
much consideration. In the present enclosure will be shown
in summer many species of interesting ground squirrels,
chipmunks, and marmots. In winter all the squirrels, save
one or two hardy native species, will be found in the Small-
Mammal House, near by.
The Rabbit Family, (Leporidae), is one of the most diffi-
cult to install and exhibit. Its members are large and
showy, but for several reasons it is very difficult to keep
them on exhibition in captivity. In time, however, all four
of the great groups —Rabbit, Varying- Hare, Jack Hare, and
also the Pikas, forming the allied Family Ochotonidae — will
be represented by specimens.
Just what can be accomplished satisfactorily with the
most interesting members of the Jumping- Mouse, Pouched
Rat, and Pocket Gopher Families, remains to be determined
by trial. If they can be induced to show themselves to
visitors, during daylight hours, they will be kept for ex-
hibition ; otherwise not.
102 POPULAR OFFICIAL GUIDE.
In Winter. — Tn the temperate zone, when "winter comes
to rule the varied year," all the burrowing animals must
retire to their burrows, live upon their buried stores of win-
ter food, and hibernate until spring. The tropical species
do not know how to hibernate, and therefore they must be
taken indoors, or they perish.
In order that our native species of rodents may be seen
all winter, and that the tropical species may be kept alive,
nearly all the animals that in summer live in the Burrow-
ing Mammals' Quarters are removed in autumn to the well-
warmed Small-Mammal House. It also happens that in
summer a few of the small carnivores, and all Armadilloes,
are kept in these Quarters.
In addition to the rodents which it is practicable to
exhibit in these enclosures, the summer season will find
some of them occupied by certain especially interesting
species which need the soil of Mother Earth as well, as
sunlight and air. Here will be found the Armadilloes, the
Nasuas, the Raccoon Dogs, the Swift Foxes, and a few
others, which in winter belong in the Small-Mammal House.
THE PRAIRIE-DOG VILLAGE, No. 41.
The Western Prairie-" Dog," or Prairie Marmot, (Cyno-
mys ludoi'icianns). — Occupying a conspicuous hill-top near
the Small-Deer House, and overlooking the Wild-Fowl Pond,
is a circular enclosure, 80 feet in diameter, surrounded by
an iron fence with an overhang, with walls going down to
bedrock. This contains about fifty fat and jolly little
Prairie Marmots, one-half of which are the gift of a Montana
ranchman, Mr. Howard Eaton. The soil of the enclosure
has never been disturbed, and there is no danger that the
little creatures ever will be smothered in their burrows, as
frequently happens in earth that has once been dug up and
filled in again.
Owing to its optimistic and even joyous disposition, the
Prairie-" Dog" has many friends, and "happy as a Prairie-
'Dog' " would be a far better comparison than "happy as a
king." His cousin, the woodchuck, has the air of being per-
petually "in the dumps," but the Prairie-" Dog "—never.
His so-called bark is really a laugh, and his absurd little tail
was given to him solely as a means of visible expression of
good nature. But he has his enemies and detractors. The
NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK. 103
•joyote loves his plump and toothsome body; the "granger"
hates him for the multitude of his holes, and puts spoonfuls
of poisoned wheat into his burrow.
THE BEAR DENS, No. 37.
The bears of the world form a very interesting group;
and when its representatives are properly installed —
in large, open yards, with abundant sunlight, fresh air and
room for exercise — they develop finely, live happily, and
furnish endless entertainment. Under proper conditions,
bears are cheerful animals, full of the playful spirit that
robs captivity of its chief terror. To confine bears singly,
in small cages, or in wet-floored, high- walled dungeons, or
in the unspeakable "pits" of mediaeval type, is a sin
against Nature.
The Zoological Society has put forth considerable effort
in constructing a series of nine large Bear Dens which pro-
vide ideal conditions for their inmates. Bears do not need
buildings! Their habits call for large, open yards, properly
situated, with snug and dry sleeping-dens attached, to
which they can retire whenever they wish. To them,
masonry walls are worse than useless, for they cut off sun-
light and promote dampness; but rocks and trees upon
which to climb are very beneficial. In warm weather, all
bears are fond of bathing, and a bathing pool in each cage
is very necessary.
It is cruelty to animals for visitors to throw peanuts, or
food of any kind, into our bear dens ; and it is strictly for-
bidden. All persons who do not wish to be reprimanded in
public, or arrested, are advised to refrain from it. Teasing
with food always irritates bears, sets them to fighting, spoils
their dispositions and renders them dangerous to the keepers
who have to go in zvith them! All visitors who are laic-
abiding, and friendly to the Zoological Society, are requested
to assist the keepers and policemen in preventing lawless per-
sons from throwing food into the bear dens. A stern repri-
mand often prevents serious trouble.
The bears of North America form four well-defined groups,
as follows :
The Polar Bear. The Alaskan Brown Bears.
The Grizzly Bears. The Black Bears, and their allies.
Up to this date (May 1, 1907), 23 species and subspecies
have been described, and it is reasonably certain that much
NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK. 105
more work remains to be done on the members of this group
of animals before the status of each valid and invalid species
will be rendered thoroughly clear.
The most noteworthy species are as follows:
THE MOST IMPORTANT SPECIES OP NORTH AMERICAN BEARS.
Ursus maritimus, (Desm.), Polar Bear.
Arctic regions generally.
Ursus middendorffi, (Merriam), Kadiak Bear.
Kadiak Is., Alaska. (Largest of all.)
Ursus dalli, (Merr.), Yakutat Bear.
Yakutat Bay, Alaska.
Ursus eulophus, (Merr.), Admiralty Bear.
Admiralty Is., Alaska.
Ursus merriami, (Allen), Peninsula Bear.
Portage Bay, Alaska Peninsula.
Ursus horribilis, (Ord.), Grizzly Bear: Silver-Tip.
Wyoming and Utah to Alaska.
S w Ursus horribilis horriaeus, (Baird), Mexican Grizzly.
Southwestern New Mexico.
Ursus richardsoni, (Swainson), Barren-Ground
Grizzly.
Great Slave Lake region, and Barren-Grounds.
(Ursus americanus, (Pallas), Black Bear.
Eastern North America.
Ursus luteolus, (Griffith), Louisiana Bear.
^ t Louisiana and Texas.
Js 02 ) Ursus floridanus, (Merr.), Everglade Bear.
PQ 03 \ Florida.
jH P3 1 Ursus emmonsi, (Ball), Glacier Bear.
f St. Elias Alps, Yakutat Bay.
Ursus kermodei, (Hornaday), Inland White Bear.
Northwestern British Columbia.
The Polar Bear, (Ursus maritimus}. — In nearly every col-
lection of living bears the individuals of this species are the
most showy and attractive. Their white coats quickly catch
the eye of the visitor, and whether young or old, they are
106 POPULAR OFFICIAL GUIDE.
generally the most active and playful of all captive bears.
In cold weather, when other bears lie in the sun, or, if per-
mitted, curl up in the straw of their sleeping dens, the
Polar Bear will disport himself in the freezing cold water
of his swimming pool, and joyously play with a cake of ice
until the sight of it makes one shiver.
The Polar Bear Den is situated at the north end of Rock-
ing-Stone Hill, about two hundred feet from the north end
of the main series of Bear Dens. It is reached by descending
the steps leading toward the Beaver Pond, and turning to
the right. From the Rocking-Stone Restaurant, the Polar
Bears are quickly reached by descending the hill toward the
north.
Although the Polar Bear inhabits practically the whole of
the Arctic Ocean and its numerous islands, it is by no means
the most northerly warm-blooded mammal. Nansen found
fox tracks at 85° N.. but the most northerly bear observed
was on the 84th parallel. The favorite home of this ani-
mal is the edge of the great polar ice cap, where Neptune
and the l ' Frost King ' ' wage continuous warfare. He seldom
ventures more than a day's journey inland, on any shore.
In winter, as the edge of the ice-pack moves southward, and
in summer when it retreats northward, he follows it in
order to keep in touch with the ringed seals and walrus
that also go with it.
The power of the Polar Bear to resist ice-cold \vater —
nay, even to enjoy it — may fairly be regarded as one of
the wonders of Nature. On the coast of Alaska this strange
creature will plunge into the Arctic Ocean and swim miles
from shore, through tossing fields of broken ice, and wher-
ever the mother leads, her cubs follow.
The world's supply of captive Polar Bears comes almost
wholly from whalers and sealers, who improve every oppor-
tunity to capture cubs. A great number thus find their
way into the hands of Mr. Carl Hagenbeck, of Hamburg,
who supplied the large specimen now exhibited. The griz-
zly bear of the United States will soon cease to exist, but not
so with the Polar Bear. Thanks to the "Frost King," he
needs no protection against man's propensity to exterminate
all wild creatures. There will be hundreds of bears around
the northern end of Franz Josef Land as long as the seals
and walrus remain for them to feed upon.
The Yakutat Bear, (Ursus daUi).—In 1899, we received
from Hudson Lake, Copper River District, Alaska, two
young Alaskan Brown Bears which for some time we be-
NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK. 107
lieved would prove to represent the species found on Kadiak
Island. In this belief they were for a time labeled as Ka-
diak Bears, (U. middendorfK) , and so entered provisionally
in previous editions of the Guide Book. The maturity of
the animals has proven that this supposition was erroneous.
The extremely short and thick muzzle of the adult male
proves conclusively that they are not identical with the
long-skulled species of Kadiak. This interesting pair, ab-
solutely identical in color with middendorffi, are now iden-
tified, pending further revisions of our Ursidae, as Ursus
dalli.
This species, and the two following, well represent the
group of big Alaskan Brown Bears, which are quite distinct
from the grizzlies and blacks. They are characterized by
their great size, high shoulders, massive heads, shaggy brown
pelage, and large claws. They live chiefly upon salmon,
which they catch from the small streams, but they also
devour great quantities of grass.
The Peninsula Bear, (Ursus merriami), of Moeller Bay,
well down the Alaskan Peninsula, may at once be recognized
by its light brownish-yellow color, and its great size for a
bear born in 1904. Its claws are of enormous thickness.
If it continues to increase in size to the limit of its growing
age, it will develop into a very large animal.
The Admiralty Bear, (Ursus eulophus), represents a large
species originally discovered on Admiralty Island, southern
Alaska. Its dark brown color is very much like that of the
Yakutat and Kadiak bears.
The Grizzly Bear, or "Silver-Tip Grizzly" (Ursus horri-
bilis). — The rapid disappearance of this species from the
United States renders all living examples of it specially
interesting.
Of all bears, the Silver-Tip Grizzly is the most savage and
dangerous. He is easily angered, and when wounded or
harried not only becomes furiously vindictive, but he also
possesses a degree of courage which renders him a danger-
ous antagonist. As a general thing, a Grizzly Bear, like a
lion or tiger, will run as soon as he discovers the presence of
his only enemy — man; but if he is wounded or cornered —
or thinks he is cornered — he assumes the aggressive, without
an instant's delay. Unfortunately, the largest Silver-Tip
Grizzlies ever killed have been too far from scales to make
it possible to weigh them.
The most interesting specimen of the Rocky Mountain
Silver-Tip now on exhibition is a dark-colored and very
108 POPULAR OFFICIAL GUIDE.
handsome specimen, named "Engineer," obtained in
Meeker, Colorado, by Professor Henry F. Osborn, and pre-
sented to the Society by the Engineers' Club of New York
City. The color of this individual is darker than the most
common type of the Silver-Tip, which is sometimes almost
as gray as a badger.
A very interesting male Silver-Tip, from "Wyoming, is
much lighter in color than the Colorado specimen. Its face
and head are so light-colored it would be called by Rocky
Mountain hunters a "Bald-Faced" Grizzly. A third speci-
men was obtained for the Society at White Horse, Yukon
Territory, in 1905, and its development will be watched with
much interest. Throughout the Rocky Mountain region
the "Silver-Tip" and the "Grizzly" are identical; but the
color of the species varies considerably.
In a wild state Grizzly Bears live on berries and fruits of
all kinds available, succulent roots, grubs, carrion if it comes
handy, and live game if it can be killed. In the cattle-
growing states bordering the Rocky Mountains, owing to
their cattle-killing propensities, a bounty of from twelve to
fifteen dollars per head is paid for their destruction.
The Black Bear, (Ursus americanus}. — Until quite re-
cently all black bears in North America were referred to a
single species, with the type of which most persons are
familiar. Even during the last twenty years living repre-
sentatives of the Black Bear group have been found in near-
ly every state and territory of the United States, and also
in northern Mexico, Province of Quebec, Alberta, Assiniboia,
British Columbia, Alaska, and the Mackenzie River basin.
Our collection contains Black Bears representing several
widely separated localities.
With the above is shown an individual referable to the
Black Bear group, ( Ursus americanus), brown in color, and
of a type known universally throughout the West as the
Cinnamon Bear. The scientific status of this creature is by
no means satisfactory. Because of the fact that its skull
and dentition reveal no constant difference in structure
from those of the typical Black Bear, and in spite of the
fact that a Cinnamon Bear can instantly be distinguished
by its color, even at a distance of a quarter of a mile, Dr.
Merriam and all other American mammalogists refuse to
consider the Cinnamon Bear as a distinct variety, or, in fact,
as anything else than a pure Black Bear ! While this view
is correct, it is well known that the range of the Cinnamon
Bear is strictly limited to western North America! In the
NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK. 109
northern gray squirrel, (Sciurus carolinensis), and also in the
fox-squirrel, (S. niger), all possible gradations of color are
found, from the typical gray and red to jet black ; but the
color-line between the Cinnamon Bear and the typical Black
Bear always is sharply drawn, and every specimen is refer-
able at a glance to one type or the other. The Cinnamon
Bear deserves further investigation.
The Brown Bear of Europe, (Ursus arctos), is represented
by two specimens from Central Russia which bear a general
resemblance to Rocky Mountain grizzlies. This is so striking
that were they not labeled very few persons would suspect
their European birth. They have the high shoulders and
grizzly brown coat of the silver-tip, and in the Rocky
Mountains would be considered good examples of Ursus
ho r rib His.
This pair has bred twice here and reared some very fine
cubs.
The Syrian Bear, (Ursus syriacus}, is well represented by
two fine specimens from Trebizond, Asia Minor. They are
of a pale yellow color, have very high shoulders, narrow
heads, and smooth pelage. These animals represent "the
bears of the Bible," which appeared in punishment of the
children who were disrespectful to the prophet Elisha.
Bears of this species are often trained to dance, and per-
form various tricks at command, and usually lead very
miserable lives at the hands of gipsies and other bear
specialists of nomadic habits.
The Hairy-Eared Bear, (Ursus piscator], a species very
rarely seen in captivity, is represented by two fine- speci-
mens from the Altai Mountains, Central Asia. This animal
is sometimes called, on account of its peculiar light-brown
color, the Isabella Bear. Its more correct name has been
bestowed on account of its large and very hairy ears. It
inhabits northeastern Asia, as far southwestward as the
Altai Mountains. The fine pair exhibited were presented
to the Society by Mr. Carl Hagenbeck.
The Himalayan Black Bear, (Ursus torquatus), is the
handsomest of the four living species of black bears, and
can easily be identified anywhere by three distinct char-
acters, neither of which is possessed by any other black bear.
They are, a pure white chin, long side-whiskers on the jaws
and sides of the neck and very large ears. Up to this date
the geographic range of this very interesting animal has
been recorded as extending from eastern Persia through
Beluchistan, Afghanistan, Assam, and South China to For-
NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK. HI
mosa ; but the three specimens exhibited were taken in
northern Japan, where the existence of this species seems to
be established beyond question.
The Japanese Black Bear, (Ursus japonicus}, from north-
ern Japan, is one of the smallest of living bears, being only
slightly larger than the Malay sun bear. In general ap-
pearance it suggests a small edition of the American black
bear. The first specimen exhibited at the Zoological Park
was very good-natured, but all those received since are
nervous and irritable, and also very timid.
The Sloth Bear, (Ursus labiatus], often called the Long-
Lipped Bear, can be recognized as far as it can be seen by its
shaggy mop of enormously long, black hair, its white muz-
zle, and its very long, white claws. It is a creature of many
peculiarities. It inhabits India generally in forest regions.
LIST OF BEARS IN THE ZOOLOGICAL PARK.
May 1, 1907.
1 Polar Bear Ursus maritimus from Nova Zembla.
2 Yakutat Bears Ursus dalli '• Alaska.
1 Peninsula Bear Ursus merriami " Alaska Peninsula.
1 Admiralty Bear Ursus eulophiis " Adm. Is., Alaska.
1 Grizzly Bear Ursus horribilis " Colorado.
" Yukon Terr.
1 " " " Wyoming.
1 Black Bear Ursus americanus " Pennsylvania.
1 " Virginia.
3 " Alaska.
' West Ontario.
" Wisconsin.
1 " " Mexico.
1 Cinnamon Bear ' ' Colorado.
1 " WTyoming.
2 Syrian Bears Ursus syriacus " Asiatic Turkey.
3 Brown Bears Ursus arctos " Central Russia.
2 Hairy-Eared Bears. . . . Ursus piscator " N. W. Mongolia.
1 Himalayan Black Bear.LVsws torquatus " Japan.
Uapanese Bear Ursus japonicus " Japan.
1 Sloth Bear Ursus labiatus " India.
2 Yezo Bears Ursus ferox " Yezo, Japan.
2 Malay Sun Bears Ursus malayanus " Borneo.
3 Half-breed Bears Ursus piscator-arctos .... Born here.
35 specimens, representing 14 species. -
The Malayan Sun Bear, (Ursus malayanus), is the smallest
bear in the world, also the ugliest and the most ill-tempered.
When fully enraged, it sometimes barks like a dog. Its hair
is very short and close, and its head and feet seem to be too
large for its body. This species inhabits Borneo, Sumatra,
the Malay Peninsula and Farther India. Two specimens will
be found in the Small-Mammal House.
112
POPULAR OFFICIAL GUIDE.
LONG-LIPPED SLOTH BEAR.
THE RACCOON TREE.
The Raccoons' Tree. — A permanent installation for Rac-
coons has been established near the southern end of the
Bear Dens, where its inmates will be near their plantigrade
relatives. At the foot of the steps leading down from the
Rocking Stone, a cedar-tree, forty feet in height, has been
enclosed by an elliptical iron fence provided with a sheet-
metal overhang which is not negotiable by any Procyon.
Inside the fence is a dry yard, a pool of water for all
purposes, and the trunk of the tree is surrounded by a
rustic shelter house, divided into ten warm and dry com-
partments. Underneath the house is a clean and smooth
wooden floor, on which the food is served.
The smooth, horizontal limbs of a cedar-tree are grateful
and comforting to a dozing Raccoon, and the tree is not so
high that the animals can climb beyond the visual power of
the visitor.
THE BEAVER POND, No. 29.
Hidden away in a deep valley between high hills of virgin
forest lies the Beaver Pond. The spot is so secluded, so
NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK. 113
silent and primeval, that it seems like the heart of the
Adirondack wilderness. Lying fairly in the lap of the
granite hills is a three-acre oval of level swamp, which
recently was full of woodland rubbish and choked by rank
weeds. The seclusion of the spot, the splendid forest, the
food-wood and the possibilities of the dam, all naturally
suggested the beaver.
In order that the building of a dam by the beavers would
not raise the water level so high as to flood the roots of a
number of fine forest trees and destroy them, two feet of
soil was taken out of the swamp, and at the same time a
broad outlet was excavated. A fence of small iron bars,
with an overhang, was designed to encircle an area of about
three acres. Within the enclosure thus made, stand several
large forest trees — chiefly oak, sweet gum, and maple —
which have been protected by guards of wire and cor-
rugated iron. The small maples, however, have been given
over to the beavers, to cut down and use as food-wood and
also in their dam-building operations.
The Beaver Colony in our pond is in good working order,
and its display of work makes a highly satisfactory exhibit.
The dam, about 40 feet long and 4 feet high, was built of
poles and sticks which were cut, peeled, floated down and
placed by the beavers, and pointed up with mud. There is
a house 10 feet in diameter and 4 feet high, similarly con-
structed. AVithin the enclosure about twenty saplings and
trees have been cut down by the beavers and used up for
food and building materials.
For this colony the Society is indebted to Mr. Hugh J.
Chisholm, who procured for it two specimens from Canada
and three from Maine.
The American Beaver, (Castor canadensis), is a remark-
able animal. In original thought it is equalled by few ani-
mals, and in industry by none. With the possible exception
of the porcupine, it is the largest gnawing animal in North
America, once was widely distributed, and its beautiful fur
has been in demand ever since the days of the colonists.
Unfortunately, the Beaver's intelligence was directed chiefly
to the building of dams, canals, and houses, and procuring
an abundant supply of food-wood, rather than in providing
itself with means of escape from its arch enemy — the man
with a steel trap. Because of the constant demand for its
fur, this animal has been so nearly exterminated throughout
the United States that practically none remains save where
they are rigidly protected. At present the largest colonies
114 POPULAR OFFICIAL GUIDE.
known are those in the Yellowstone Park, although in Can-
ada and the Northwest many still remain.
Th most wonderful thing about the Beaver is the manner
in which he builds dams, to make ponds deep enough for
his timber-floating operations, and to afford him a sub-
marine passage to his house. Give him a valley and a
stream of water, and he will gladly make a pond out of
whatever raw materials are at hand. He uses the four-foot
sticks from which he has eaten the bark for food, and with
these, and an abundance of mud, he will raise a good strong
dam to a height of four feet, and a width on the ground of
ten feet or more. The mud used is dug out of the bottom
and sides of his pond, and carried, while swimming, be-
tween his paws, with his front feet holding it against his
breast. The sticks used in the dam are thrust endwise into
the mud on top of the dam, and the mud used is patted
down with his fore feet. The tail is not used as a trowel,
but in swimming it is the Beaver's propeller.
In captivity the Beaver is not wholly a satisfactory animal.
Like some human craftsmen, he positively declines to work
under observation, and performs nearly all his tasks at
night. He thinks nothing of gnawing down a tree a foot
in diameter, and cutting its limbs into pieces which he can
handle while swimming. If he can secure enough food-
wood of kinds to his liking, he eats little else. Besides
building dams to create ponds in which he can take refuge
when hard pressed, he constructs canals, and houses for
winter use. He also digs burrows into high banks; but his
entrances to his various homes always are under water.
NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK.
115
SECTION II.— BIRDS.
THE DUCK AVIARY, No. 3.
There are no birds, which take more kindly to captivity,
or which better repay their keep and their keepers, than the
ducks, geese, swans and pelicans. The only drawback to
the maintenance of large collections of these birds in this
latitude is the annual struggle with our arctic winter. On
account of the fierce winter storms to which we must pay
tribute, many species of swimming birds require to be taken
out of their aviary, and housed in sheltered buildings, with
moderate warmth. For this reason the pelicans, tree-ducks
of all species, and all species from the tropics, must neces-
sarily be absent in winter from their aviary.
For the accommodation of a large, systematic collection of
swimming birds, an aviary two hundred and fifty feet long
by one hundred and forty-three feet in width has been coil-
NEW YOUK ZOOLOGICAL PAUK. 11?
structed in the north end of Bird Valley. To secure as much
space as possible, the entire width of the open valley has
been taken into the enclosure.
The Duck Aviary consists of a pond containing three
islands, two of which arc subdivided by low fences of wire
netting into twelve separate enclosures. In the central por-
tion of the South Island stands a series of shelter houses,
which furnish shelter for the occupants of the yards. The
North Island is devoted to a mixed collection of large water
fowl— swans, geese, ducks, and other species.
The aviary has been so planned and constructed that each
enclosure is provided with a section of the pond (three feet
in depth), grass banks, gravel banks, sanded runways,
shrubbery, earth, and a dry, roofed-over shelter house. The
boundary fence, fortunately for the visitor, is only 42 in. in
height, this being sufficient to confine the short-legged
ducks and geese.
The Mallard Duck, (Anas boschas), is one of our finest
swimming birds, the joy of the sportsman who finds it in
its haunts, the delight of the epicure who finds it on the bill
of fare. Sluggish indeed must be the blood which does not
beat faster at the sight of a flock of wild Mallards, free in
Nature, and ready to leap into the air and away at the
slightest alarm. Excepting the wood duck, this is the hand-
somest duck in North America, and also one of the finest
for the table. Its range covers practically the whole of
the western continent down to Panama, and even extends
to the Azores, north Africa, and northern India. The
drakes are readily recognized by the splendid iridescent
green of the head.
The Green- Winged Teal, (Nettion carolinensis} , and Blue-
Winged Teal, (Querquedula discors), are very delicate birds,
and therefore rather difficult to maintain in captivity. A
flock of each will be found in the Flying Cage.
The Pintail Duck, (Dafila acuta), is specially commended
to the notice of visitors because of its great beauty, both
in color and form. Its colors form an exquisite harmony of
soft brown and gray tones which fairly rival the more
gaudy color-pattern of the wood duck. The species is yet
found occasionally along the Atlantic Coast, but like all
other edible birds, its numbers are rapidly diminishing.
This species will be found on Cope Lake and the Wild-Fowl
Pond, as well as in the south end of the Duck Aviary.
The Mandarin Duck, (Aix galericulata), is the Chinese
counterpart of our beautiful Wood or Summer Duck, (Aix
118
POPULAR OFFICIAL GUIDE.
UPLAND GOOSE.
sponsa}. Of all living ducks, the males of these two
are the most gorgeously colored and plumed, and they are
also of elegant form. Although both species are much
sought after, the number of available specimens continues
to be limited to a comparatively small number.
The Canvas-Back, (Aythya vallisneria), and the Red-Head,
(A. americana), two prime favorites with the sportsman and
epicure, are exhibited in the south end of the Duck Aviary.
Of the latter, a good-sized flock is shown. Canvas-Backs,
however, are difficult to capture unhurt, and still more
difficult to keep alive in captivity, and for these reasons the
number exhibited always is very small.
The Geese.— The collection of wild geese in the Zoological
Park is unusually complete, there being generally about
fifteen out of the thirty-five known species. Among these
one of the best known is the Common Wild, or Canada
Goose, (Branta canadensis). Once common throughout
many parts of the United States, continual persecution by
sportsmen and market hunters has so generally reduced its
numbers, that it is now of comparatively rare occurrence.
NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK.
119
COSCOROBA SWANS.
This exceeding rarity made the arrival of nine superb
specimens on November 8, 1900, on the Wild-Fowl Pond, a
most interesting event. Seven of the birds, including a fine
gander, through the artifice of a trap, were induced to re-
main with us, and have taken up a peaceful abode on the
little lake, with others of their kind presented by Mr. A. B.
Frost.
The African Spur-Winged Goose, (Plectropterus gamben-
sis), although of large size, is more properly a duck than a
goose. A long sharp spur arises from the bend of each
wing, which the birds use in fighting with each other for
their mates.
The Wild Gray-Lag Goose, (Anser anser), is, perhaps, the
most interesting of all geese, as being the wild species from
which our domestic birds are descended. The white color
and large size are the chief differences between the domestic
and wild birds.
The White-Fronted Goose, (Anser albifrons), is worthy of
special notice because it is the handsomest of the ten species
of North American geese. The breeding grounds are far
to the north, and in Alaska the nests are mere hollows in
the sand, lined with moss and down.
The Bar-Headed Goose, (Eulabia indica), inhabits the
120 POPULAR OFFICIAL GUIDE.
mountains of Central Asia, nesting always over a mile above
the sea. It is perhaps the handsomest of all geese.
The Swans. — Usually at least six out of the seven known
species of Swans may be seen on exhibition here.
The Mute Swan, (Cygnus olor}, is the commonest swan in
captivity, and is the one made famous in European history
and legend. It may always be known from the other spe-
cies by the black knob at the base of the bill. It breeds
freely in captivity and the young birds are known as
cygnets.
The Trumpeter Swan, (Cygnus buccinator], being the larg-
est bird in the aviary, and also snowy white, is therefore
the most conspicuous. Several fine specimens are shown on
the North Island, living contentedly with other species.
Some of these specimens were captured in Idaho, when
young enough to take kindly to captivity.
The Black Swan, (Chenopsis atrata'), of South Australia
and Tasmania, is as glossy black, excepting its primaries,
as other swans are white. It is a large and handsome bird,
and much sought by all persons who form collections of
water fowl.
The Coscoroba Swan, (Coscoroba coscoroba}, is a fair con-
necting link between the swans and the ducks, partaking
about equally of the characters of each. In size and color
it is very much like our snow goose, (Chen hyperborca), but
it is peculiar in possessing very long legs of a bright pink
color, by which it is quickly recognized. Its bill, also, is
pink, and the tips of its primaries are black. The Coscoroba
Swan is a native of southern South America, and a fe\y years
ago specimens were so rare in captivity that a pair sold
for $300.
THE FLYING CAGE, No. 4.
This mammoth bird-cage is one of the wonders of the
Zoological Park. It represents an attempt to do for certain
large and showy water birds, precisely what has been done
for the hoofed' animals, the beaver, otter, and other spe-
cies— give them a section of Nature's own domain. In this
they can fly to and fro, build nests and rear their young in
real freedom.
Near the lower end of Bird Valley, as a sort of climax
NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK. 121
for the Duck Aviary when seen from the north, rises a lofty,
web-like structure, in the form of a huge, gothic arch. It is
55 feet in height, 75 feet wide, and 152 feet long. The
whole structure consists of a series of steel-pipe arches and
purlins, the former eight feet apart, over which wire-netting
has been tightly stretched.
The wire-netting seems peculiarly open. It is of the kind
known as chain-netting, which offers the least possible
obstruction to the eye. This cage is so large that a very
respectable block of houses, three stories high and of ample
dimensions, could stand within it without touching the wire.
It completely encloses three forest trees of very consider-
able size, two hickories and an oak; and it contains a pool
of water a hundred feet long, and shrubbery in abundance.
The idea of a very large cage for herons and egrets, is not
new, for there are in existence several other flying cages,
somewhat smaller than this. The first was erected in the
Rotterdam Zoological Garden by its Director, the late Dr.
A. Von Bemmelin, whose experiment proved very successful.
Others are at London and in the Paris Jardin d'Acclimata-
tion.
The Flying Cage is the summer home of a mixed flock of
such large and showy water birds as are most inclined to
fly about within it, and afford students and the public an
opportunity to study their movements and attitudes. Save
for such allowances as must be made for accidents and
epidemics, this enclosure will contain the following note-
worthy species, along with others of less importance :
The American Flamingo, (Phoenicopterns rnber}, is, in
appearance, a connecting link between the herons and
ducks, resembling the former in the great length of its legs,
and the latter in the duck-like bill, and webbed feet. When
the plumage of this species is perfect, it is of a beautiful
scarlet color throughout, excepting the primaries, which
are black. In captivity, the color fades somewhat. This
bird is found in the Bahama Islands and Cuba, but in Flor-
ida, where once it was fairly numerous, it no longer exists.
Fortunately, this remarkable bird takes kindly to captivity,
and the Zoological Park is never without a good-sized flock.
Their strange form, showy colors and droll attitudes render
them unusually interesting to visitors.
With the birds of the above species are shown a few speci-
mens of the European Flamingo, (P. roseus), which is al-
most white. The only parts which show the characteristic
122 POPULAR OFFICIAL GUIDE.
scarlet of this genus, are the wing coverts, which are pale
red, or pink.
The Scarlet Ibis, (Guara rubra), is for its size the most
showy bird in existence, not even excepting the birds of
paradise. Excepting the black primaries, every feather on
the adult bird in perfect plumage is of a brilliant Chinese
vermilion color, visible in nature for a long distance. The
immature birds are mottled and patched with white. This
species once came as far north as southern Florida, but now
it is found only from Cuba southward. They frequent the
mud banks at the various mouths of the Orinoco, and not
long since were quite abundant on the coast of British
Guiana.
The White-Faced Glossy Ibis, (Plegadis guarauna), is not
a rare bird in captivity, and it will doubtless be possible to
maintain this species perpetually in the Flying Cage and
Aquatic Bird House.
The Wood Ibis, (Tantalus loculator). — The Park obtains
its supply of birds of this species from Florida, where they
breed, in very greatly reduced numbers, on the headwaters
of the St. Johns. This bird is a very satisfactory member of
avian society. Although amply large to lord it over the
other birds of the cage, he quarrels with none, but peace-
fully goes his way, feeling with the point of his beak along
the sandy bottom of the pool for something edible, or stand-
ing in quiet meditation on the bank. Notwithstanding its
common name, this bird is not an ibis, but a true stork. In
its black and white plumage it is quite a handsome bird.
Although not so fond of using its wings in captivity as are
herons and egrets, the Wood Ibis is for many reasons a very
welcome tenant.
The White Stork, (Ciconia ciconia}, is as large as our
wood ibis, which it strongly resembles in form and habits.
This bird is literally the household bird of Germany, and its
place in the family has now become of more importance
than its place in nature. Throughout Holland, Germany,
and very nearly the whole of eastern and central Europe,
the White Stork is so prized and protected by the people
that it has attained a state of semi-domestication. Nesting
places are prepared for it, usually near or even upon human
habitations, and it enjoys an immunity from molestation
quite like that of the adjutant in India.
The Great Blue Heron, (Ardea herodias], is frequently
called the "blue crane"; but the latter name is a misnomer.
It properly belongs to our sandhill crane (Grus canadensis} ,
NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK.
123
GRE.AT WHITE HERON.
Dust why so large a number of people should be so persis-
tent in this error is a psychological problem; but the fact
remains that people will not say "heron."
This Great Blue Heron is the largest and most noteworthy
bird of our northern marshes. Thanks to the fact that it
bears no desirable "plumes," and its flesh is not edible, it
has been permitted to live. When not molested, it becomes
quite trustful, and when wading along a shore, fishing for
minnows, it affords for the field-glass or the camera a very
interesting subject. In summer these birds are quite numer-
ous in the marshes along the Shrewsbury River, between
Sandy Hook and Long Branch, and they are an unfailing
source of interest to excursionists, It is sincerely to be
124 POPULAR OFFICIAL GUIDE.
hoped that the evil eye of "Dame Fashion" will not fall
upon this bird, and cause its extermination.
The Great White Heron, (Ardea americana), is taller than
the great blue heron, and it is the largest of all the white
herons and egrets. Like the whooping crane, it is now a
bird of such exceeding rarity that the procuring of a speci-
men may be counted a stroke of good fortune. In eight
years the Zoological Park has secured only three specimens,
all of which came from southern Florida.
The Little Blue Heron, (Florida caerulea}. — The imma-
ture birds of this species are snowy white, and so closely
resemble snowy herons of the same age, that only one well
acquainted with both can distinguish between them. They
are, however, separately recognized by the fact that the
snowy heron has black legs, and a black bill, whereas the
legs and bill of the Little Blue Heron are pale yellow. This
species is still common in some parts of its Florida home,
and occasionally a specimen strays as far north as Staten
Island.
The Louisiana Heron, (Hydranassa tricolor ruficollis), once
very numerous in Florida, is still found there, but in greatly
reduced numbers. It ranges from Central America and the
West Indies northward to the Gulf States, and occasionally
to Long Island. The general coloring is dark blue, but a
prominent distinguishing character is the chestnut brown
on the sides of the neck.
The Black-Crowned Night Heron, (Nycticorax nycticorax
naevius), is one of the commonest herons about New York
City and occasionally nests in the Park itself. It breeds in
large colonies, and feeds chiefly at night. Its note is a
hoarse quok, very much like the bark of a dog.
The Snowy Heron, or Snowy Egret, (Egretta candidis-
sima}, when fully adult, is the most beautiful white bird in
all the avian world. Its form is the embodiment of sym-
metry and grace, its plumage is immaculate, and the filmy
"plumes" on its head and back are like spun glass. Its
black legs and bill merely serve to intensify the whiteness
of its feathers. The vanity of woman has been the curse of
the Snowy Egret. Its plumes are finest during the breeding
season, and it was then that the hunters sought them,
slaughtering the old birds in the rookeries by thousands
(when they were abundant), and leaving the nestlings to
die of starvation. If ail women could know the price in
blood and suffering which is paid for the accursed "aig-
rettes" of fashion, surely but few could find any pleasure
NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK. 125
in wearing them. It is strange that civilized woman — the
tender-hearted, the philanthropic, and the ever-compassion-
ate— should prove to he the evil genius of the world's most
beautiful birds.
In the United States the Snowy Egret now exists only by
accident, and the "plume hunters" are pursuing this and
the following species in Central and South America, to their
most remote haunts, sometimes even at the risk of their
lives. Fashion has decreed that the egrets must go.
The American Egret, (Herodias egretta), is, when adult,
one of our largest birds with pure white plumage. Much
to the misfortune of this species, it possesses about fifty
"aigrette" plumes which droop in graceful curves from the
middle of its back far beyond the tail and wing tips. For
these beautiful feathers this bird has been pursued by
plume hunters almost to the point of total extermination.
The Society exhibits a good-sized flock of these birds.
The White Pelican, (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos] , is one of
the largest birds of North America and by reason of his
size, his pure white plumage, his enormously long amber-
colored bill and gular pouch, he is one of the most showy
birds in the aviary. As consumers of fish they stand pre-
eminent among birds, and their only rivals here are the
sea-lions. The specimens exhibited were collected for the
Society in southern Texas.
The Brown Pelican, (Pelecamis occidentalis) , when adult,
is a handsome and showy bird, and one which not only is
easily reconciled to life in a comfortable aviary, but posi-
tively enjoys it. The specimens in the collection frequently
build their bulky nests of sticks, and occasionally lay eggs.
They were collected for the Society on Pelican Island, Flor-
ida, and their interesting home life at that place may be
studied from the series of photographs on exhibition in the
Aquatic Bird House. When their daily allowance of fish
appears they crowd around their keeper, and with wide
open pouches earnestly solicit contributions.
THE AQUATIC BIRD HOUSE, No. 5.
This building is the result of an attempt to solve an old
problem in a new way— the care of large migratory water
birds in the most uneven winter climate on earth. In com-
parison with the care in winter of flamingoes, large herons,
126 POPULAR OFFICIAL GUIDE. ,
egrets, ibises, and the like, the housing of perching birds,
birds of prey and the parrots, presents few difficulties. But
the wealth of fine water birds in North America alone, and
the interest attaching to them, seem to justify the labor
and expense that have been involved in this building and
its appointments.
The Small Flying1 Cage. — The dimensions of the building
are 63x50 feet. Its whole central area is occupied by a
large cage 16 feet wide, 38 feet long, and 16 feet high, filled
with a choice mixed collection of flamingoes, brown pelicans,
swans, egrets, storks, ibises, and ducks. The bottom of the
cage contains a spacious pool of running water, surrounded
by banks of sand and gravel.
Along the side walls of the building are two rows of cages,
seven on each side, which contain groups of birds that are
closely related to each other. Usually, each cage is filled
with birds of the same group. These cages also contain
running water, and an abundance of gravel. In the center
of the series along the eastern wall is
The Diving-Bird Tank.— This is a large aquarium tank 9
feet long, 5 feet wide, and 4 feet deep, with plates of glass
1 inch in thickness on the front and both ends. It is filled
with clear water, in which the movements of diving birds
under water may be studied in detail. This exhibition calls
special attention to the darters, penguins, puffins, auks and
other birds that have been fitted by nature for life and
activity under water, and by which even the flightless spe-
cies procure an abundant supply of food. A penguin under
water is a sight to be remembered. This feature was copied
from the London Zoological Garden.
In order to suggest the haunts of the water birds inhabit-
ing the Aquatic Bird House, to give distance, and to elimin-
ate the dead walls which never seem so sadly out of place
as behind cages filled with living creatures, the walls behind
the side cages of the interior have been very artistically de-
corated, in oil colors, by Mr. Robert Blum. The entire
western wall is occupied by a tropical landscape represent-
ing a scene on the edge of the Florida everglades, while the
eastern cages have for a background a northern marsh
scene, highly suggestive of the marshes along the Shrews-
bury River, New Jersey, with the Navesink Highlands in
the distance. The artistic effect of these landscape back-
grounds is very pleasing.
Inasmuch as the water birds shown in this building are
the same species that have been described in the section
NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK.
127
GYRFAI.CON.
devoted to the Flying Cage, it is unnecessary to repeat
descriptions here.
The Exterior Cages. — Although the ten large cages on
the exterior of the Bird House belong to the Aquatic Birds,
until the great Eagle and Vulture Aviary has been erected
they must be occupied by the birds of prey. The following
are a few of the most conspicuous species :
Bald Eagle, (Haliaetus leucocephalus}. — The appearance
of the adult Bald Eagle, our National emblem, with its con-
spicuous white head and tail, is familiar to all ; but the im-
mature birds, as shown by several of the specimens, lack the
white in their plumage. These birds are found usually near
water, and their food is chiefly fish. These they sometimes
catch for themselves, but if ospreys are found in the vicinity,
they are watched by the eagles, and often robbed of their
hard-earned prey.
128 POPULAR OFFICIAL GUIDE.
Recently many scores of these splendid birds have been
killed, as a result of fashion's latest whim — calling for long
quill feathers for women's hats.
Black Vulture, (Catharista urubu.}— These ill-favored but
very useful birds are quite abundant, and even semi-domes-
ticated, in some of our southern cities. This is due to the
protection accorded them, because of their valuable services
as scavengers. They are said to devour every particle of
exposed organic refuse, and in a warm climate these services
are of more value than we in the north can realize. The
bare head enables the bird to feed without danger of soiling
its feathers.
The Red-Tailed Hawk, (Buteo borealis}.— The "Hen
Hawk," or "Chicken Hawk," is one of our commonest birds
of prey. It hardly merits its common name, as its favorite
food is mice and other small mammals. This is the hawk
seen, in the fall of the year, going south in flocks, sometimes
of one hundred or more. Its distinguishing mark is its rich
rufous tail, and its four notched outer wing feathers. The
hats of our lady friends afford abundant opportunities for
the study of these feathers.
The Snowy Owl, (Nyctea nyctea), of the Arctic regions,
migrating in winter to the northern United States, some-
times remains for several seasons in succession so far north
that no specimens are obtainable. During 1899, 1900, and
the first half of 1901, not one specimen could be procured,
but in the late autumn of 1901 a southward migration be-
gan. On June 1, 1902, the Park exhibited eight fine speci-
mens, one of which was almost pure white. During the
three hottest months of summer, these birds would suffer
considerably, so during this period they are confined in a
cool, dark cellar, thus keeping in perfect health and comfort
throughout the year.
The Great Horned Owl, (Bubo virginianus) . — These noc-
turnal birds of prey inhabit heavily wooded regions, feed-
ing on mice, and poultry when it is obtainable. The bright
yellow iris, the conspicuous feather horns, and the appar-
ently pivoted neck are curious features of these birds.
Their reputation for wisdom is founded only on their ex-
ternal appearance, for in reality they are rather dull birds.
The Barred Owl, (Syrnium varium). — This owl is more
diurnal than its nearest relatives, and often hunts itsj)rey
in bright sunshine. Its deep, penetrating call, "whoo-o-o,
whoo-o-o,' ' is one of the most weird and striking cries of the
bird world. Another peculiarity, common to all owls, but
more noticeable in this less nocturnal species^ is the absolute-
NEW YOKE ZOOLOGICAL PARK.
120
SPECTACLE OWL.
ly noiseless flight. The soft, downy feathers of the owl
permit it to wing its way through the air with as little noise
as a falling leaf.
The Screech Owl, (Otus asio). — This little horned owl is
our commonest species, and frequents the neighborhood of
dwellings and orchards. Being nocturnal it is more com-
mon than is generally supposed, and its curious cry, which
is not a screech, but a musical, quavering series of notes, is
the cause most frequently leading to its discovery. Its two
phases of plumage, red and gray, occur independently of
sex, age or season. Its food consists of mice and insects.
The Florida Burrowing Owl, (Speotyto cunicularia flori-
dana). — The habits of the Florida Burrowing Owl differ
somewhat from those of its western congener. There being
no prairie-dogs in Florida, these birds make all their exca-
vations for themselves. These are about six feet in depth,
and at the end the round, white eggs are laid, usually six
in number. The anomalous habits of these birds and their
curious little gnome-like faces make them interesting in-
mates of a zoological garden.
130 POPULAR OFFICIAL GUIDE.
THE WILD TURKEY ENCLOSURE, No. 33.
At the northern end of Squirrel Ridge, where the Alli-
gator Walk intersects the Rodent Walk, an ideal quarter of
an acre, of oak and hickory trees, underbrush, and bare rock,
has been dedicated to the king of game birds.
The Wild Turkey, (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris), is a
bird of magnificent size and presence, and the splendid me-
tallic luster of his plumage — a mixture of burnished bronze
copper, lapis lazuli, and fire opal iridescence — backed up
by a great bulk of savory flesh, all combine to make this the
finest game bird on earth. It was once fairly abundant
throughout the eastern United States, and still is found in
Pennsylvania, southern Ohio, Virginia, and other Southern
States as far west as Texas. Three other species of Melea-
gris are now recognized — one in Florida, one in southern
Texas and northeastern Mexico, and the fourth in Mexico,
extending to western Texas and Arizona.
THE LARGE BIRD-HOUSE, No. 7.
On the northwest quarter of Baird Court stands the larg-
est and the most generously equipped home for perching
birds now in existence. This is not an unnecessary boast,
but merely a brief statement of a fact which the visitor has
a right to know. It was designed on our long-established
principle that every captive wild creature is entitled to
life, exercise and happiness. Our principle of very large
cages, with many birds in each cage, is just the reverse of
the views that have prevailed in the older zoological gardens,
even down to the present day. To an important extent, the
cage equipment of this building represents a new departure
There are many zoologists with experience longer than ours
who believe that small birds thrive better and live longer
when installed in small cages, with only one or two birds in
each.
The new Bird-House, specially designed for Passerine
birds, was developed on the strength of experiments pre-
viously made in the Aquatic Bird House, and in community
cages outside. After twenty months' experience with the
new building, and a careful tabulation of diseases and death
NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK. 131
rates within it, we are able to state that this installation
is a complete and gratifying success, even beyond our antic-
ipations.
The Large Bird-House is an L-shaped building, with an
all-glass house in its angle. The main hall extends east and
west, and it is 60 feet long by 50 feet wide. This great
room contains the foreign song-birds, many tropical doves
and pigeons, and such tropical varieties and oddities as the
great crowned pigeons, tinamous, toucans, giant king-fishers
and hornbills. In the great central flying cage there is per-
haps the most remarkable omnium- gatherum of small tropical
birds — swimmers, waders, upland game birds and perch-
ers — ever brought together in one cage. The bottom of
the L is the Parrots' Hall, 65x^0 feet. It contains the par-
rots, macaws, cockatoos, and a few other species.
In the angle of the main building stands a structure al-
most wholly composed of metal and glass, which is known as
the Glass Court. It was designed especially for North Amer-
ican song-birds. The visitor should not overlook the fact
that there are cages filled with birds all along both the east-
ern and western sides of the Large Bird-House.
The capacity of this installation as a whole may be judged
from the following memorandum of cages:
APPROXIMATE SIZES OF CAGES OP THE LARGE BIRD-HOUSE
INDOORS.
No.
Main Hall. . .Central Flying Cage. .15x36x20 feet high. . 1
Side Cages 5x5x9 35
End Cages 5x12x9 2
Parrot Hall . . Side Cages Gx8x9 21
Glass Court. .West Cages 8x9x9 6
East & North Cages.. 5x6x8 16
OUTDOORS.
Northeast Cages 7x12x10 2
East Cages 6x8x10 10
Southeast Circular Flight Cage 20x20x20 1
South Cages 6x8x10 3
Large Western Cages 15x15x15 3
Smaller Western Cages 6x9x10 14
Total number of cages 114
Regarding the state of health and spirits of the birds in
this building, the visitor must be left to judge for himself.
It is only fair to state, however,, that the death rate here
132 POPULAR OFFICIAL GUIDE.
SDLPHUR-CRESTED COCKATOO.
and indeed amongst the birds of the Park generally, is
very low.
In view of the great number of avian species inhabiting
the Large Bird-House, it is a practical impossibility to give
more than a general outline of the groups and leading feat-
ures of the collection.
As the visitor enters at the south door, nearest the Lion
House, he is greeted by a discordant chorus of ear-piercing
shrieks and squawks, joyous but very raucous, and at times
too persistent. Loudest are the voices of the gorgeously-
plumaged Blue-and- Yellow Macaw, (Ara ararauna) ; the Red-
and-Blue Macaw, (Ara macao), and the Great Green Macaw.
Around their cages there is no such thing as stagnation or
somnolence. The soft-hued Rosella Parakeets, the flock of
mostly-green Cuban Parrots, the Leadbeater Cockatoos and
the White Cockatoos all join in their voices, to the limit of
their respective abilities, but against macaws which can be
heard a mile, their best efforts seem tame. The members of
the Order Psittaciformes (as above) have been beautifully
colored by Nature, and their harsh voices seem strangely
out of harmony with their plumage.
NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK. 133
The indoor cages along the western side of the Large
Bird-House (both halls included), contain an extensive
series of tropical Pigeons and Doves, which are well worth
some attention.
The most startling exhibit in this group is the Bleeding-
Heart Pigeon, (Phlogoenas luzonica~), from the Philippines,
whose creamy- white breast seems to have been recently
stabbed with a stiletto. It is no wonder that now and then
a sympathetic visitor seeks the Curator, or a keeper, and
reports that a bird has been injured, and is bleeding from a
wound in its breast.
The Flying Cage in the center of the Main Hall contains;
a pool of running water, some small trees, an imitation rock,
and the floor is covered with a comfortable layer of sand.
Hopping or flying about, and perching on the trees, is a
really remarkable medley of birds. There is the Wood Duck
and Mandarin Duck, Black Skimmers, Common and Sooty
Terns, several species of Teal, Curlews, Gallinules, Coots,
Lapwings, Snipe, Ruffs, Quail, Francolins, Senegal, Turtle,
Wonga-wonga and other Pigeons and Doves, Skylarks,
Robins, Orioles, Cardinals, Woodpeckers, Java, Fox, Tree,
and other Sparrows and Weavers. Notwithstanding the
mixture of species, they all live together in the utmost
harmony, and beyond all question they greatly enjoy each
other's company.
The south side of the Main Hall is devoted to miscella-
neous rare birds from the tropics, regardless of the Orders to
which they belong. The largest are the Great Crowned
Pigeons, — Victoria and Common, — the oddest are the Con-
cave-Casqued Hornbills and the Toucans (four species).
The Rufous Tinamou, of South America, is a species which,
through lack of use for its wings, is rapidly losing the
power of flight. The Giant Kingfisher is the "Laughing
Jackass" of Australia, and its cry is strangely like the
mirthless horse-laugh of a man who has few smiles and
seldom uses one. The Himalayan Jay-Thrush is so con-
firmed a murderer of birds smaller than himself, it is neces-
sary to quarter that species with other birds abundantly
able to defend themselves against its attacks.
On the northern side of the Main Hall there will be found
a very interesting group of Cuban birds, another of birds of
the Bahamas, a fair-sized collection of Finches, Weavers,
Canaries, Trogons, and other small species of foreign lands.
The visitor is reminded that for all cages that contain
134
POPULAR OFFICIAL GUIDE.
TOCO TOUCAN.
more than one species, the picture labels quickly furnish a
key for identification of each.
In the Glass Court and around it, the Curator of Birds,
Mr. C. William Beebe, has scored a gratifying success in
the installation of the Order Passeres. The birds are ar-
ranged by Families, and all of the twenty-one families of
eastern North American perching birds are represented.
These Families are as follows : Flycatchers, Swallows, Wrens,
Mockingbirds and Catbirds, Thrushes, Kinglets, Vireos,
Waxwings, Shrikes, Chickadees, Nuthatches, Brown
Creepers, Warblers, Pipits, Horned Larks, Sparrows, Honey
Creepers, Tanagers, Blackbirds and Orioles, English Starling,
Crows and Jays. It is only those who have attempted to
form and install such a collection who can appreciate the
effort which that collection has cost, or the difficulties in-
volved in the maintenance of so large a number of insect-
eating birds. The birds in this section of the Bird-House
are especially interesting to the teachers and pupils of the
public schools of this city.
The large circular flying cage, at the outer corner of the
Glass Court, is filled with Robins, Bluebirds, Thrushes and
Woodpeckers which wintered there very comfortably, be-
NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK. 135
cause they were fed and watered, and sheltered from the
worst storms.
Along the western wall of the Large Bird-House, outside,
fourteen large cages are filled with members of the Crow
and Blackbird Families (Corvidac and Icteridae), such as
the Ravens, Crows, Jays, Magpies, Blackbirds, Meadow-
larks, Cowbirds and Crackles, beside which appear our old
friends the Yellow-Shafted Flicker and Red-Headed Wood-
pecker.
The following systematic enumeration of the Orders of
birds represented in the Zoological Park on May 1, 1907, and
the number of species and individuals in each, will show the
composition and scope of our avian collection as a whole.
The number of genera represented is 304.
LIST OF BIRDS ON HAND MAY 1, 1907.
ORDERS. Species. Specimens.
Rheif ormes Rheas 1 2
Struthioniformes Ostriches 2 3
Casuariformes Emeus and Cassowaries. 2 4
Tinamiformes Tinamou 2 5
Galliformes Quail and Pheasants 59 182
Columbiformes Pigeons and Doves 32 106
Rallif ormes Coots and Gallinules 7 20
Podicipedidiformes Grebes 1 1
Lariformes Gulls and Terns 11 34
Charadriformes Plovers and Sandpipers. 7 17
Gruiformes Cranes, Seriema 9 18
Ardeiformes Ibises, Storks and Her-
ons 22 71
Palamedeiformes Screamers 1 3
Phoenicopteriformes Flamingoes 2 8
Anseriformes Swans, Geese and Ducks. 45 347
Pelecaniformes Cormorants and Pelicans 9 25
Cathartidiformes New World Vultures 5 12
Accipitrif ormes Hawks and Eagles; Old
World Vultures 20 35
Strigiformes Owls 15 33
Psittacif ormes Parrots, Macaws and
Cockatoos 46 107
Coracif ormes Kingfishers and Horn-
bills 2 4
Trogones Trogons 1 2
Coccyges Cuckoos 2 3
Scansores Toucans 5 21
Piciformes Woodpeckers 3 3
Passeriformes Thrushes, Sparrows and
all perching birds 199 1150
Totals .. ..510 2218
136 POPULAR OFFICIAL GUIDE.
WILD-FOWL POND,
Heretofore Called the Aquatic Mammals' Pond.
Although the birds on this pond are chiefly duplicates of
those in the Duck Aviary (No. 3), yet the interest of this
exhibit is of special character, and greatly enjoyed by hosts
of visitors. This is the nursery of the ducks and geese,
where, in the tangle of long grass, briers and underbrush
along the east side of the pond, the nests are built in early
spring, the eggs are laid and patiently incubated. Finally
the broods of ducklings are led to the water, to feed to reple-
tion, throughout the summer, on the worms, bugs and in-
sects so dear to the appetite of these amusing little fellows.
In tiny box houses erected on posts above the water, young
wood ducks are hatched, scrambling down just as in Nature
they make their escape from the hollow tree which the
parents select for a nesting place.
When the mallard ducklings become half grown, they
learn that peanuts and bread are good provender, and fear-
lessly follow visitors about, begging for crumbs.
Cope Lake is the especial province of the nesting pairs of
Canada geese, and sometimes as many as eight golden-col-
ored goslings are hatched in one nest on the small island.
THE PHEASANT AVIARY, AND PIGEON AVIARY,
No. 40.
This Entire Collection is the Gift of Mr. Jacob H. Schiff.
The Pheasant Aviary is a building like a corridor 240 feet
long with a cross pavilion at each end. The main structure
is divided into 22 shelters connecting with a like number of
wire enclosed outside runways, each of which is 8 feet wide.
24 feet long and 8 feet high. The two end pavilions furnish
32 smaller shelters and runways, making a total of 48 com-
partments. The shelters are divided into two stories, the
upper series being designed for pigeons, doves and perch-
ing birds of various kinds. Each bird in this aviary can at
every moment of his life choose according to his needs from
the following series of accommodations that are available
to him: An open, sunlit yard, a storm shelter with an open
NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK. 137
front, or a closed room with one small door and a large
window.
This beautiful and generous installation, 240 feet long,
with 48 runways, accommodates the true Pheasants of the
world, the largest group of birds of the Pheasant Family
(Phasianidae) , which in turn is one of the grand divisions
of the sportsman's own Order Gallinae, or upland game-
birds. Of the whole Order Gallinae, — which includes the
Grouse, Ptarmigan, Partridges, Pheasants, Turkeys, Guinea-
Fowls, Jungle Fowl, Quails, Brush-Turkeys, Curassows and
Guans — the group of the Pheasants can justly claim the dis-
tinction of possessing the most beautiful birds. Indeed, I
think there is not to be found in the whole avian world a
group of game birds all the members of which, taken species
by species, are so gorgeously apparelled as these.
In this brief notice of what is really one of the finest
pheasant collections in the world, it is not possible to do
more than direct the visitors' attention to its chief items of
interest. It must be stated well in advance, however, that
these are birds of very shy and retiring habit, which owe
their existence as species to the success with which they
retreat from danger, and conceal themselves from man and
beast. These birds must not be forced to spend all the day-
light hours in their runways: for some of them could not
long survive such exposure and excitement. To preserve
their lives, and keep them in health, they must have the
privilege of retiring into their shelters whenever they de-
sire. But they roam in and out. and by the exercise of a
little effort in returning to them, the interested visitor will
find no great difficulty in seeing all the species.
There are few species of pheasants whose members are
sufficiently peace-loving that many individuals can be kept
together without deadly combats. Of most species save the
golden, silver and ring-neck, the cocks are so quarrelsome
that even two can not be kept together; and this fact con-
stitutes a handicap upon those whose duty it is to maintain
the full strength of the exhibition. If a rare and quarrel-
some male pheasant dies unexpectedly, it is not always pos-
sible to fill the vacancy on short notice.
Out of the half-dozen species which claim first place in
an enumeration based on beauty and luxuriance of plum-
age— the Amherst, Reeve, golden, silver, impeyan, Argus
or Soemmerring — it is difficult to choose. Each has its share
of strong points, and it seems as if there is no "finest of
all." Let us take them as they come to mind, for by reason
138 POPULAR OFFICIAL GUIDE.
MAXCHCRIAN EARED PHEASANT.
of the changes so often necessary in the runways, it is in-
expedient to attempt an end-to-end enumeration.
The Golden Pheasant, (Chrysolophus pictus), is a uni-
versal favorite; and it well deserves its wide popularity.
Although small, it is as beautiful as the most entrancing
sunset ever seen. It is very alert and chic, it is so good
tempered that we can have the rare pleasure of seeing a
whole flock in one runway, and it is a good breeder. To
crown all these fine qualities, it is so hardy, and so com-
petent a "rustler" in seeking food that under fair con-
ditions it is easily transplanted from its native home in
western and southern China. It has been introduced and
acclimatized with gratifying success in Oregon, Washington,
southern British Columbia near the Pacific coast, and else-
where. In the shooting season, the shops of the taxider-
mists of Vancouver and Portland are filled with these gor-
geous creatures, which appreciative sportsmen have found
"too beautiful to eat." One might as well try to describe
a sunset as to pen a mental picture of the wonderful com-
bination of golden yellow, orange, lapis-lazuli blue and deep
crimson that appear in the plumage of this gorgeous bird.
The Amherst Pheasant, (Chrysolophus amherstiac], is the
nearest relative of the golden species, and also a strong can-
didate for first honors on the score of beauty. As far as
you can see the cock bird, you can recognize it by its mar-
vellous cape of pure white feathers marked with semicircles
NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK.
139
GOLDEN PHEASANT.
of black and steel-blue, which reaches from its eyes far back
upon the shoulders. It is also easily recognized by its enor-
mously long tail, the middle feathers of which are conspicu-
ously marked by a regular series of diagonal bars of black
laid on a light ground color. This bird is of small size, and
fortunately for the public, it breeds in confinement with suffi-
cient readiness that a good supply for exhibition purposes is
thereby maintained.
The Silver Pheasant, (Gennaeas nycthemerus] , of China,
is Nature's "running mate" for the golden pheasant, not
only in the rocky hill forests of southern China, but in
acclimatization, in captivity, and everywhere else. Wher-
ever you see a golden pheasant, look for the Silver also, with
its showy, snow-white tail, and white mantle of feathers
which covers the whole upper two-thirds of the bird from
its ears to its tail. Its dark-colored under surface serves well
to accentuate the whiteness of its other parts. It is a larger
bird than the golden and Amherst pheasants, but it is so
good tempered that every summer two or three cock birds
are kept in the great Flying Cage along with many small
and defenseless birds which might easily be molested. In
parks which are not visited by great numbers of people,
both this species and the golden are easily domesticated, and
permitted to roam at will.
The Reeves Pheasant, (Syrmaticus reeves}, of northern
China, is a most beautiful species, closely related to the
140 POPULAR OFFICIAL GUIDE.
Japanese, Elliott, Hume and Soemmerring pheasants, — all of
them fine, showy birds. Like the Amherst, the Reeves
Pheasant has a very long tail, which in fully adult or old
male birds often attains a length of five feet. When you
see in captivity a pheasant with an enormously long tail,
it is safe to assume that it is either an Amherst or a Reeves.
The Soemmerring Pheasant, (Phasianus soemmerringii},
sometimes very aptly called the Copper Pheasant, is a native
of Japan, and a bird of which any country might well be
proud. In size, form and length of tail it matches the com-
mon ring-necked pheasant. Its head and neck plumage is
of a warm copper-bronze tint, but its most beautiful colors
are found in the elaborate cross-bar markings of its tail.
The pattern of the latter reveals first a strong cross-bar of
chocolate brown, above that a broad band of fawn-color,
and this blends into a mottling of black on cream-color,
edged across with black.
The True Ring-Necked Pheasant, (P. torquatus), of China,
brings to view a question that frequently is asked regarding
the English Pheasant, (P. colchicus), which is the common
species of southeastern Europe and Asia Minor, and of
Great Britain and other continental areas by introduction.
We are asked, "Has the English Pheasant a white ring
around its neck, or not?"
The answer is, the true, pure-blooded English, or Common
Pheasant, (P. colchicus), has no ring around its neck; but so
many persons have crossed the true Ring-Necked Pheasant,
of China, with that species that in many flocks of the former
species the majority of the individuals are of mixed breed,
with necks perceptibly ringed, yet passing as English Pheas-
ants. As a matter of fact, in England to-day, pure-blooded
English Pheasants are rare. Both the English and Ring-
Necked species have been successfully introduced into sev-
eral portions of the United States.
While on this subject, we will here record the fact that
the name Mongolian Pheasant, as often applied to the Ring-
Neck, is a misleading error. The real Mongolian Pheasant,
of Turkestan, (P. mongolicus) , is a species of such extreme
rarity that it is almost unknown, alive, in the United States.
In the interest of accuracy, that name should be used only
with extreme caution.
The Argus Pheasant, (Argusianus argus), is a bird with a
great reputation for beauty, but as seen alive in zoological
collections it does not always come up to expectations. Both
its secondary feathers — which when fully developed are of
NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK. 141
enormous length— and its primaries, are extremely beauti-
ful ; but unfortunately those beauties are not visible until
the bird is dead, and its plumage displayed in a manner
very rarely adopted by the living, captive bird. But the
eyes on the huge secondary feathers are wonderful, and each
primary is a dream in eeru and brown tints, laid on in a
most elaborate pattern. The Argus Pheasants are most shy
and wide-awake birds, inhabiting the dense, hot and moist
jungles of Borneo, Sumatra and the Malay Peninsula, and
are almost impossible to shoot. They are snared by the
Dyaks and Malays, and after the skin has been removed and
carefully preserved for museum purposes, the flesh is as fine
mating as the breast of a quail. A few successful attempts
have been made to breed this species in captivity.
The Impeyan Pheasant, (Lophophorns impeyanus), is the
neighbor of the Himalayan tahr, the burrhel, the ibex and
the markhor, and the delight of every sportsman who dares
the rocks of "the Roof of the World" in quest of Himalayan
big game. Its beauty is due chiefly to its metallic colors,
and the splendid iridescence of its plumage. Its home is
in the world's most gigantic mountains, and it is not un-
common for a bird that has flown out from a mountain-side
and been shot on the wing to fall 2,000 feet, and beyond
human reach. No wonder this bird is the "darling" of all
Anglo-Indian sportsmen.
In view of the impossibility of specially mentioning each
species of the birds quartered in the Pheasant Aviary, we
offer a list of the most important now on exhibition there,
and which as far as it is possible will be maintained :
LIST OF PHEASANTS AND ALLIED BIRDS IN THE
ZOOLOGICAL PARK:
Impeyan Lophophorus irnpeyanus. . . Himalayas.
Satyra Tragopan Tragopan satyra Himalayas.
Temminck Tragopan. .Tragopan temmincki Central China.
Cabot Tragopan Tragopan caboti Southeast China.
Siamese Fireback Diardigallus diardi Siam, C. China.
Manchurian Eared. . . . Crossoptilum manchuricum Manchuria.
Black-Crested Nepal. . .Gennaeus leucomelanus . .. .Nepal, India.
Black-Backed Pheasant.G. melanonotus East. Himalayas.
Anderson G. andersoni Kachin Hills.
Lineated G. lineatus Pegu.
Silver G. nycthemerus South China.
Swinhoe G. swinhoei Formosa.
English Phasianus colchicus Southeast Europe
Ring-Necked P. torquatus Eastern Siberia.
Versicolor P. versicolor Japan and China.
142 POPULAR OFFICIAL GUIDE.
Soemmerring P. soemmerringii Japan.
Reeves Syrmaticus reevesi China.
Elliott Calophasis eUioti Southeast China.
Golden Chrysolophus pictus S. and W. China.
Amherst C. amherstiae West China.
Red Jungle Fowl Gallus gallus India & Malay Pen.
Peacock Pheasant Polyplectrum germaini Cochin China.
Vulturine Guinea Acryllium vulturinum East Africa.
Capercaille Tetrao urogallus Europe.
Black Cock Lyrurus tetrix Europe.
Ruffed Grouse Bonasa umbellus East. N. America.
European Partridge. . .Perdix perdix Europe.
Banded Curassow Crax fasciolata North. S. America
Globose Curassow Crax globicera Mexico.
Razor-Billed Curassow. Mitua mitu North. S. America
Crested Guan Penelope cristata Central America.
Northern Chachalaca. Ortalis vetula maccalli Texas and Mexico
Red-Legged Partridge. Caccabis chukar Europe and Asia.
Wild Guinea Fowl. . . .Uumida meleagris West Africa.
Indian Peacock Pavo cristatus India and Ceylon.
Java Peacock Pavo muticus Burmah to Java.
Scaled Quail .Callipepla squamata Southwest U. S.
Plumed Quail Oreotyx pictus plulniferus. .Sierra Nev. Mts.
California Quail Lophortyx calif ornicus Pacific Coast.
Bob White Colinus virginianus Eastern U. S.
Montezuma Quail Cyrtonyx montezumae Mexico.
It will thus be seen that the Pheasant Aviary is a double
installation, and as an aviary for Pigeons and Doves it is
quite as perfect as it is for Pheasants.
THE OSTRICH HOUSE, No. 43.
This entire collection presented by Mr. Charles T. Barney.
Originally it was our intention to devote this fine build-
ing solely to the great "running birds," — Ostriches, Rheas,
Emeus and Cassowaries ; but the pressure for space has been
so great that this intention never has been carried into
effect, and we fear it never will be. There are so many
cranes, seriemas, tropical vultures and other large birds
which appeal for space in these very pleasant and health-
ful quarters, we have felt compelled to set our original plan
half at naught. It seems probable that some of the feath-
ered interlopers now in the Ostrich House will remain there,
indefinitely— or at least until we erect a Crane Aviary.
Architecturally, the Ostrich House is the counterpart of
the Small-Mammal House, the two being identical in size
NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK.
143
CERAM CASSOWARY.
and form, and connected by a handsome pavilion. Each
building is 170 feet long, and 54 feet wide. The Ostrich
House contains 13 cages, each 10x12 feet, by 8 feet in height.
A flood of warm light pours through a glass roof into these
cages, and makes them as light as the yards without. It is
no wonder that birds thrive in this building. Movable par-
titions were provided, so that a few of the cages might be
subdivided whenever necessary. This provision has proven
of much practical value.
Each interior cage connects with a spacious outside yard,
in which the big birds spend the warm months. The yards
are enclosed by wire fences, and to the eye of the visitor
they are open from three directions.
144 POPULAR OFFICIAL GUIDE.
The members of the Subclass Ratitae, — once called the
Cursores, or the "running birds," — are the present-day
giants of the avian world. We have reason to be glad that
all these splendid birds did not disappear from the earth
before ornithology took form as a science. Undoubtedly,
they mark the end of the line of birds of their kind, for the
far-reaching destructiveness of civilized man has already
put a period to the natural evolution of animal life. To-day,
the preservers of wild life are engaged in a hand-to-hand
struggle with the annihilators, over the preservation of a
remnant for those who come after us.
The African Ostriches are now very prominently in the
public eye. not because of their relationship to the Dinornis
and Aepyornis of the past, but by reason of the value of
their plumes in enhancing the attractiveness of woman.
And surely, no plume-bearing bird ever enlisted in a better
cause, or on a more satisfactory basis ; for tc-day the plume-
crop is being grown and plucked and marketed with almost
as much certainty as the annual crop of wool. In the
United States, the most important plume-producing ostrich
farms are situated in southern California and Arizona,
where the industry is quite successful. So valuable are the
adult birds that it is possible to purchase specimens im-
ported from Africa for less money than would be necessary
to procure them in the United States.
A full-grown male African Ostrich stands 8 feet in height,
and weighs about 300 pounds. Its value on arrival in New
York, before acclimatization and moulting into perfect plu-
mage, is from $200 to $250. The female lays about 90 eggs
in a year, each of which is equal to about 20 hen's eggs.
The time of incubation is about 40 days. In captivity only
about 60 per cent of the eggs hatch, and of those not more
than one-half live to attain full maturity. The plumage of
immature birds and adult females is gray, but that of the
adult male is black on the body, and white on the wings and
tail.
The South African Ostrich, (Struthio ausiralis), also called
the Somali Ostrich, differs from the species found in
the north. The color of the naked skin of its neck and
thighs, and the front scales on its metatarsus, is distinctly
bluish, and dark. This is the species of the southern half of
Africa, now so successfully "farmed" in Cape Colony for
its feathers that the annual crop is said to yield about
$5,000,000. And it is this species which is kept on the ostrich
farms of California and Arizona.
NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK. 145
The North African, or Sudan Ostrich, (S. camelus), is the
species first and longest known. Its neck, thighs and front
metatarsal scales are of a decided pink color. Originally
the range of this species extended from north Africa well
into southwestern Asia, embracing Arabia, Syria and Meso-
potamia.
Generally speaking, the African Ostriches originally cov-
ered all the open, sandy plains of Africa; but they never
inhabited the regions of dense forests. To-day their total
inhabited range is small, and rapidly becoming more so. It
is highly probable that within the life period of many per-
sons now living, wild Ostriches will totally disappear from
the earth.
The Common Rhea, or South American Ostrich, (Rhea
americana}, represents a group of ostriches much smaller
than those of Africa, and found only on the open plains of
Argentina and Patagonia, below the great equatorial forest
belt. There are three species in the group. In general
terms it may be stated that an adult Rhea is about two-
thirds the size of an adult African ostrich. It is with great
difficulty that these birds are reared to maturity in the
United States.
The Common Emeu, (Dromaeus novae-hollandiae} , of Aus-
tralia, is the neighbor of the kangaroo and wallaby, and in
form is as odd as are the majority of the birds and mammals
of that continent of strange creatures. Its body suggests a
pile of gray-brown hay elevated on stilts, to one end of
which a hay-covered neck and head have been attached. The
bird-lover should make much of this creature, for in its
home country it has been almost exterminated. Fortu-
nately, in climates reasonably well suited to it — but not in
or near New York — it is possible to breed this bird in cap-
tivity. In size the emeu is next to the African ostrich.
The Ceram Cassowary, (Casnarius casuarius}, of the
Island of Ceram, Malay Archipelago, represents a group
which contains a number of well-defined species which are
scattered through the northern cape of Australia, New
Guinea, the Aru Islands, Ceram, and other islands of Malay-
ana east of Celebes. They are all distinguished by their
glossy purple or black body plumage — which looks far more
like coarse hair than like feathers — their huge legs, and
their helmeted heads. The differences between species are
based chiefly upon the bright orange red and purple colors
of their upper necks and wattles.
In size the Cassowaries are all of them smaller than the
146 POPULAR OFFICIAL GUIDE.
emeus. In captivity they are the best of all the large cursor-
ial birds, and live longer than either ostriches, rheas or
emeus. They are essentially birds of the thick forests rather
than open plains, and can not bear the glaring light and heat
of midsummer that is the delight of an ostrich. In captivity
they are very apt to be quarrelsome toward each other.
Miscellaneous Birds in the Ostrich House.— At present
these are so numerous and so important it is necessary to
mention a few of them, even though the labels may be sup-
posed to speak for them. They fall into several groups, —
chiefly birds of prey and cranes.
The California Condor, (Gymnogyps calif ornianus), is
kept here in winter, but in summer it will be found either
in the Flying Cage, or in an outdoor cage on the
eastern side of the Aquatic Bird House, (No. 5). This is
by far the rarest, and to all Americans the most interesting,
bird of prey in the Park. The species is confined to a very
small area in the rugged mountains of southern and lower
California, and beyond all doubt, the skin-collecting orni-
thologists will exterminate it within the next twenty years,
or less. The bird-lovers love it so much that in the presence
of opportunity few of them have the iron resolution to let
it alone.
The King Vulture, (Gypagns pa pa}, is as its proud name
implies, the one member of the Vulture Family which really
is clad in royal robes, and color-decked to match. Its range
extends from Mexico and Central America to Trinidad and
Brazil. The visitor should not fail to see this gorgeously
caparisoned body of white, cream-yellow and black, and
head of orange, purple and crimson. Of course the im-
mature males and the females are not so splendidly colored
as the adult males. Two specimens spend their winters in
the Ostrich House.
The Bateleur Eagle, of Africa, (Hclotarsus ccaitdatns) , has
narrowly missed the distinction of being the most beautiful
of all birds of prey. His plumage is charmingly colored
but he is out of proportion. His tail is so absurdly short
that his wings quite conceal it, and make him appear as if
altogether tailless. His really fine hood and massive body
plumage give the bird a very odd, top-heavy appearance.
Both winter and summer, the Ostrich House will contain,
either indoors or in a yard outside, this remarkable bird:
The Brush Turkey, or Telegalla, (Cathctunis lathami), is a
bird of the dark tropical forests of New Guinea and Aus-
tralia. For many years it has been regarded as a zoological
NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK. 147
wonder, because of the remarkable manner in which it nests
and produces its young. Instead of building a small, hol-
low nest, and hatching its eggs by the heat of its own body,
it pursues the plan of the crocodile ! Choosing an open spot
in the forest it builds a huge mound, and as the structure
rises, it lays its eggs in the heart of it. Turning its tail to
the mound-site, this absurd little bird — no larger than a
barnyard hen — scratches about right and left, gathers a big
footful of small dead sticks, grass and dirt, and fiercely
fiings it backward upon the pile. A Brush Turkey in good
working order can fling a bunch of jungle debris fully ten
feet. Usually the finished mound is about three feet high
by ten feet in diameter on the ground, and contains two or
three cart-loads of sticks, leaves and grass. The eggs are
deposited in a circle, well separated from each other, and
each newly hatched bird must scratch out or die. Of course,
the eggs are incubated by the heat of the sun and the fer-
mentation of the mass.
THE CRANES.
At present the Cranes of the Zoological Park are divided
between the Ostrich House and the Aquatic Bird House, and
their environs. In summer there are exhibits of these birds
in the outdoor yards adjacent to each of those buildings.
Until the Crane Aviary is erected, we must crave some in-
dulgence in respect to the locations of these very interesting
birds.
The Whooping Crane, (Grus americana), is the largest, the
handsomest and the rarest crane species in America. Its
great size and its pure-white plumage — except its primar-
ies— render it conspicuous from afar, and its voice will carry
half a mile. The elevated tail coverts and caudal feathers
of the adult male give the bird a very jaunty appearance.
This species is so rare that thus far we have been able in
eight years to secure only three specimens. The Whooping
Crane nests in summer in the Arctic regions, but in winter
it ranges as far south as Mexico. Our specimens of this bird
will in summer be found in the large paddock immediately
north of the Aquatic Bird House, with the next species.
The Sandhill Crane, (Grus mc.vicana), is smaller than the
preceding species, more common, and is frequently seen in
captivity. Its color is slaty-blue. It is found in the south-
148
POPULAR OFFICIAL GUIDE.
CROWNED CRANE.
PARADISE CRANE.
eastern United States, but once was fairly common through-
out the Mississippi valley. In captivity this bird often in-
dulges in some very droll antics — at times actually dancing.
The adult males are often quite pugnacious, and inclined to
attack those who go near them, and all visitors are warned
not to go within striking distance of them. Children espe-
cially should not be permitted to climb over the guard wires,
and approach close up to the cranes' fences.
The Sarus Crane, of the plains and sand-bars of northern
India, (Antigone antigone), greatly resembles our sandhill
crane, but is a much larger bird. This also is a quarrelsome
species, and in captivity individuals are inclined to be cruel
toward each other.
The Asiatic White Crane, (Sarcogeranus leucogeranus), is
like a modest understudy to our whooping crane, in all
respects save the elevated tail-crest. It is a bird of wide
distribution.
NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK.
149
WHOOPING CRANE.
The Paradise Crane, (Tetrapteryx paradisea), of the open
plains of Africa outside the deserts, is a slaty-blue bird with
a head so puffed out with side feathers that it looks almost
reptilian. Its tail-feathers taper out to infinity, and grace-
fully droop quite to the ground. The little African De-
moiselle Crane, (Anthropoides virgo), is so diminutive, so
dainty in appearance and so gentle-spirited that its young-
ladylikeness has been proclaimed in its name. Of all
foreign species of cranes, it is the one easiest to procure,
and the most satisfactory to keep in collections. It never
quarrels, it is very sociable in its habits, and thrives in
captivity.
The Crowned Crane, (Balearica pavonina}, also of Africa,
is, perhaps, the most beautiful of all living cranes. It is of
medium size, royally colored, and strikingly set off with a
conspicuous crown of stiff, quill-like feathers that stand as
erect and regular as the aigret of an Indian prince,
SECTION III.— THE REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS.
THE REPTILE HOUSE, No. 34.
The Reptile House was the first large building erected in
the Zoological Park. It represents an earnest effort to pre-
sent carefully selected examples of the reptilian Orders, in a
manner which may afford the visitor and the student a gen-
eral view of the important groups of living reptiles.
The length of the Reptile House, over all, is 146 feet, and
its greatest width is 100 feet. It is constructed of buff mot-
tled brick, combined with granite and Indiana limestone.
In the ornamental cornice of terra cotta, reptilian forms
modelled by Mr. A. Phimster Proctor, the well-known ani-
mal sculptor, constitute an import-ant feature. The build-
ing is roofed with slate, heated by hot water, and cost, with
its cages, about $50,000. It is beautifully situated on the
edge of a forest of primeval oaks, very near the geograph-
ical center of the Park.
The great center hall is unbroken by a single column, and
at one end it opens across the Crocodile Pool and- its sand-
banks, through three huge arches, into the green, jungly
mass of the conservatory. Of the tropical vegetation
massed behind the pool — palmettoes, bayonet cacti, yuccas,
and the like, and the tillandsias, Spanish moss, resurrection
ferns, and butterfly orchids, — nearly the whole came from
Florida, along with five alligators which were the first
occupants of the pool.
In effect, the central hall appears to be 115 feet in length,
by 40 feet wide, exclusive of the cages. But, large as this
building is, it would be an easy matter to fill all its avail-
able space with the reptiles of North America alone, choos-
ing only the handsome and showy forms. As we contem-
plate the great number of species in our own reptilian
fauna, the thought occurs, what can we do with the rep-
tiles of the Old World f Manifestly, the only proper course
is to choose from the reptiles of the world the forms which
will make for visitors and students the most instructive and
attractive series of important types.
151
152
POPULAR OFFICIAL GUIDE.
SYNOPSIS OF THE CLASS REPTILIA.
At this date, May 1, 1907, all these examples are on exhibition
in the Reptile House:
ORDERS.
/ TURTLES, or
Chelonia.
CONSPICUOUS EXAMPLES
Alligator Turtle...
Snapping Turtle. . .
Box Tortoise
Giant Tortoise
Gopher Tortoise . . .
Painted Turtle
Soft-shelled Turtle.
Green Turtle
LOCALITY.
Louisiana.
Zoological Park.
Zoological Park.
Galapagos Island.
Florida.
New York.
Indiana.
New York.
SAURIANS, or
Crocodilia.
03
3
B
r Alligator
Florida Crocodile .
Cuban Crocodile. . .
Iguana (I. turber-
culata)
Green Lizard (L.
viridis)
Florida.
Southern Florida.
Cuba.
West Indies.
Europe.
H LIZARDS, or
Chameleon
Africa.
Lacertilia.
Monitor
Ceylon.
I I
£>
Gila Monster
Horned "Toad"....
"Glass Snake"
Arizona.
Arizona.
Florida.
J
SERPENTS, or
Ophidia.
Regal Python
Anaconda
Black Snake (B.
constrictor)
Garter Snake
Hog-Nosed Snake . .
Coral Snake
Malay Peninsula. ^
British Guiana.
Zoological Park.
Zoological Park.
Zoological Park. )
Florida.
Cobra de-Capello. . .
Diamond - Backed
Rattlesnake
Water Moccasin. . .
India.
Florida.
Florida. ^
THE TURTLES AND TORTOISES.
The Order of Turtles, (Chelonia), is so large that it has
been found necessary to devote to its representatives the
whole central space of the main hall of the Reptile House,
and also a specially designed Tortoise House of glass in the
eastern end of the building. In the main hall are two feat-
ures— one, a large square tank for marine turtles ; the other,
a pool of running water between banks of earth, sand, and
living plants. This tank is 35 feet in length, and by means
of low, plate-glass partition! it is divided into ten cross sec-
tions, each of which can very comfortably provide for the
NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK. 153
wants of at least three species of turtles of medium size.
With a wonderfully rich Chelonian fauna on the western
continent to provide for, there is little room to spare for
Old World forms, and the temptation to make this col-
lection strictly Occidental, is almost too great to be resisted
For the sake of brevity and clearness, only six types have
been chosen for special mention.
The following species taken together fairly represent the
different forms of Chelonians, from the highest to the lowest:
The Alligator Turtle, (Macrochelys lacertina), is the larg-
est fresh-water chelonian in North America. In form and
temper it resembles the common snapping turtle of the
North, and its home is in the Gulf States. The largest of
the two Louisiana specimens on exhibition weighs 115
pounds.
The Snapping Turtle, (Chelydra serpentina), which is the
most courageous and pugnacious of all turtles, is rather
poorly protected by its shell, and must therefore fight for its
place in nature.
The Painted Turtle, (Chrysemys picta], is a species of
wide and common distribution, and fairly representative of
the host of fresh water terrapins and turtles so common
throughout the United States in ponds and streams of all
sorts.
The Soft-Shelled Turtle, (Aspidonectes ferox) — As to liv-
ing relatives, this strange genus seems apropos of nothing.
Like some of the marine turtles its shell is greatly reduced
in weight, so that it can float more readily ; instead of being
solid bone, it terminates in a wide, thin edge of cartilage,
which is so soft that when properly boiled it constitutes
palatable food.
The Marine Turtles.— At the New York Aquarium, sit-
uated in Battery Park, and managed by the New York
Zoological Society, will be found a fine collection of such
large sea-turtles as the Loggerhead, Green Turtle and
Hawksbill, which require salt water.
The Tortoise and Lizard Yards.— At the eastern end of the
Reptile House is a commodious glass-roofed hall, opening
into a series of sandy yards. This installation is occupied
by the collection of tortoises and the larger tropical lizards.
These reptiles do better in captivity, and show to best ad-
vantage, if given outdoor sunlight and plenty of room for
exercise.
The Giant Tortoises are among the most interesting of
NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK. 155
living reptiles. There are fourteen distinct species, all be-
longing to the genus Tcstudo. These creatures appear to be
survivors of the reptilian ages when reptiles attained colossal
proportions. Fossil remains of the great tortoises show
these creatures to have formerly inhabited the continents,
but the survivors are restricted to isolated groups of small
islands in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Six species inhabit
the Galapagos Islands in the Pacific Ocean. Four are found
in the Aldabra Islands in the Indian Ocean, and four in-
habit the Mauritius-Rodriguez group of Islands. All the
species are rapidly becoming extinct. Recent expeditions
to the Galapagos Islands have reported that very few Giant
Tortoises now survive in those islands.
The Giant Tortoises are entirely herbivorous. The speci-
mens exhibited consume great quantities of green food,
which varies in kind according to the season's supply. Dur-
ing the summer months they feed largely upon melons.
Among the species exhibited is Tcstudo vicina, repre-
sented by our largest specimen, captured in the Galapagos
Islands. It weighs slightly over two hundred and twenty-
five pounds. Another example from the same islands repre-
sents Testudo nigrita, a smaller and natter species. Tcstudo
clephantina, the Elephant Tortoise, is represented by a large
specimen from the Aldabra Islands, which is growing
rapidly. The latter tortoise has a very high shell, and pro-
portionately small head.
The Gopher Tortoises, (Tcstudo Carolina}, are large, thick-
shelled, clumsy creatures, which burrow in holes in the
sandy southern regions where they live. Once they were
common in southern Florida, but their edibility has resulted
in a great decrease in their abundance.
The South American Tortoise, (Tcstudo tabulata), is a
good representative of the smaller tortoises from various
parts of the world. It is common throughout tropical
South America and attains a maximum length of shell of
about 14 inches. The shell is elongated and blackish, each
of the shields having a yellowish center. Like all of the
tortoises, this is a herbivorous reptile.
The Box Tortoise, (Cistudo Carolina], lives on land, and as
a means of perfect protection has been enabled by nature
completely to withdraw its head and legs within its shell,
and by means of a hinge across the middle of the plastron,
or lower shell, to close it tightly.
156 POPULAR OFFICIAL GUIDE.
THE CROCODILES AND ALLIGATORS.
The Order of Crocodiles.— This important Order-, the
•members of which are widely distributed throughout the
tropics and sub-tropics of the world, contains nineteen
species. At this point it is well to correct certain very
general misapprehensions regarding crocodilians.
Crocodiles are not confined to the Old World ; at least
three species being found abundantly in tropical America.
The "movement" of a crocodile's jaw differs in no man-
ner whatever from that of an alligator.
Only a few species of crocodiles are dangerous to man.
There is no authentic record of the loss of a human life
through our common alligator.
The Alligator genus embraces the American Alligator,
(A. mississippiensis), of the southern United States and a
small species found in China! The head of the Alligator is
very flat and its sides are nearly parallel, while the head of
a typical crocodile is nearly triangular.
The American Alligator is well represented in the Pool in
the Reptile House, by several lusty specimens, all of which
eat voraciously, are growing rapidly, and undoubtedly en-
joying life. The largest specimen, a burly monster over
twelve feet in length, has grown nearly five feet in length
since its arrival here in 1899.
In summer, the Alligator Pool on the hill, southeast of the
Reptile House, is well stocked with alligators of various
sizes, and it is there that visitors can secure most realistic
impressions of the appearance of this species in a state of
nature, and in abundant number.
Under favorable conditions. — warm water and air, good
light, plenty of room, and abundant food, — the Alligator
grows rapidly. A specimen hatched in our Reptile House
in October, 1900, was in March, 1907, 6 feet 2 inches long,
and weighed 75 pounds.
The Crocodile genus is widely represented throughout the
world. Of the whole eleven species, the American con-
tinent contains four — the Florida Crocodile, (Crocodilus
acutus floridanus), attaining a length of 14 feet, which was
discovered at the head of Biscayne Bay, in 1875, by W. T.
Hornad ay; the American Crocodile (C. acittus) ; the sharp-
nosed Orinoco Crocodile (Crocodilus intermedium), found in
NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK.
157
FLORIDA CROCODILE.
South America; and the small Crocodilus rhombifer, which
is found only in Cuba and the West Indies.
Of the seven remaining species, Asia contains four, and
Africa three. Of the Asiatic species, one frequents salt
water.
The Florida Crocodile is now represented by two speci-
mens nearly 9 feet long, from Madina Creek, southern Flor-
ida, presented by Mr. Julian A. Dimock. It is to be recog-
nized at a glance by its dark olive color and sharp-pointed
head. This is the only species of crocodile found in the
United States. Its maximum length is 14 feet 2 inches.
The Cuban Crocodile is represented by two specimens
presented by Capt. A. G. Hammond, Eighth U. S. Cavalry.
This is a small species, and is believed not to exceed 8 feet
in length. It bears some resemblance to the Florida croco-
dile, but is specifically quite distinct.
THE LIZARDS.
The Tropical Lizards.— Several families of lizards are
represented among the specimens occupying the Reptile
158 POPULAR OFFICIAL GUIDE.
House, the Tortoise room and outside runways. Among
these are the Tegus, Monitors and Iguanas.
The Tegus, (genus Tupinambis), are powerful lizards,
growing to a length of four feet, and inhabiting tropical
South America. They are fleet of foot, mainly carnivorous
and very quarrelsome. It is impossible to keep any but the
larger lizards in the yard with them. Tegus are fond of
eggs, breaking the shell at one end and lapping up the con-
tents by means of the very broad, forked tongue. They will
also eat raw beef.
The Australian Monitor, (Varanus gouldii}, is a good rep-
resentative of a genus of large and powerful lizards con-
fined to the Old World, where they occur in India, Malaysia,
Africa and Australia. Monitors grow to a length of eight
feet. They are swift runners, entirely carnivorous, and
usually dwell in thick jungles. They are able to swallow
entire an animal as large as a half-grown rabbit. All are
fond of eggs, swallowing them without breaking the shell,
which is soon dissolved by the powerful gastric juices.
Among the Iguanas are several large and interesting liz-
ards. The largest of these is the Rhinoceros Iguana, (Cy-
clura cormtta), found in Hayti. Contrary to the general
belief, but like all the Iguanas, it is partly carnivorous,
though it feeds largely upon vegetables and fruit. This
species receives its name from the presence of three well-
defined horns upon the snout.
The very popular Horned "Toad," (Phrynosoma) , of the
southwestern states, of which there are eight or nine species,
should be mentioned if for no other reason than to place
it where it belongs — with the lizards, and not with the
toads.
The Mexican Iguana, (Ctenosaura acanthura), looks
unique in the possession of rings of sharp spines about the
tail. Most specimens are jet black when adult, but very
young examples are pale green.
The South American Iguana, (Iguana tuberculata} , may be
readily distinguished by the very pronounced fringe of
erect spines which rise along the back-bone of male speci-
mens, and also by the presence of a rounded tubercle or
Elate on each side of the head. This is a brightly colored
guana, having bars of green, gray and black. It is strictly
arboreal, and evinces stronger herbivorous habits than spe-
cies of the allied genera. A large male specimen is seven
feet long, but much of this length is taken up by the grad-
ually tapering tail. In South America — on the Orinoco, at
NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK. 159
least — this species is considered edible, and the writer can
testify that to a hungry man its flesh is excellent.
Other Lizards. — Within the main halls of the Reptile
House will be found various representatives of the smaller
Lizards, a few of which may be mentioned.
The Common Iguana, (Iguana tubercHlata), is a large and
showy tree-climbing species from the West Indies, where it
eats soft fruits, and in turn is eaten by the natives.
The beautiful, emerald-colored Green Lizard, (Lacerta
I'iridis), of Europe, is not only a handsome species, but it is
also one of the most satisfactory to keep in a vivarium — a
good feeder and always posing. The Chameleon of the Old
World, (Chamaeleo vulgaris), because of its color phases and
its remarkable form, is truly a great "curiosity"; but it
should not be confused with our so-called American Cha-
meleon, which belongs to another Family, and is also less in-
teresting.
Our well-known Gila Monster, (pronounced He-la} (Helo-
derma suspectum},\s a stupid, slow-moving creature from the
southwestern deserts, thick-set and stumpy in body, and it
has the appearance of being covered all over with dark-
brown, black, and yellow beads, such as Indians use in their
bead industry. Its bite is sufficiently venomous that it in-
flicts a painful wound, but it is not necessarily fatal.
The famous Glass Snake, (Ophiosauris ventralis), is im-
portant because its resemblance to a snake is so perfect
it is generally mistaken for one, although a true lizard.
THE SERPENTS.
The Order of Serpents, (Ophidia}.—The large glazed
cases along the northern side of the main hall of the Reptile
House are devoted to the larger serpents, while the smaller
species are provided for along the south wall, and in the
adjoining room. One serious difficulty in the management of
a collection of living serpents lies in the fact that often the
most valuable specimens are so nervous and shy in their
feeding habits it is impossible to cage several together.
Out of the many species of serpents exhibited in the Rep-
tile House, ten are chosen as fairly representing the prin-
cipal groups.
The Black Snake, (Bascanium constrictor], a common spe-
cies in the eastern United States, is probably the highest
type of the harmless snakes. It is a serpent of great vigor
and activity in running, climbing, and swimming; it pos-
160
POPULAR OFFICIAL GUIDE.
FEB-DE-LANCE.
sesses great courage, and seeks prey of many kinds in all
kinds of situations.
The Regal Python, (Python reticulatus), here represented
by a fine specimen, 22 feet in length, weighing 170 pounds,
is the best representative of the rock pythons of Asia and
Africa. The island of Borneo is its center of distribution.
None of the constrictors is venomous, but their crushing
power is almost beyond belief.
The Rock Python, (Python sebae), of Africa, is a light-
colored species with a very small head, and is frequently
seen in the hands and around the necks of snake-charmers.
The Anaconda, (Eunectes murinus], is one of the largest
constrictors of tropical America, and is noted for its aquatic
habits. It is a handsome serpent, being of a rich green
color, marked with large black spots.
The Garter Snake, (Eutaenia sirtalis), is more frequently
seen in the eastern United States than any other serpent.
Although the warfare waged against it is perpetual, regard-
less of the fact that it is as harmless as a fly, its numbers do
not sensibly dimmish.
The Hog-Nosed Snake, "Puff Adder," or "Sand- Viper,"
(Heterodon platyrhinus] , represents a large and important
Family, and, despite its dangerous appearance and terrify-
ing names, it is quite harmless. It represents one of Na-
ture's methods for protecting harmless and inactive crea-
tures, by making them resemble others which are dangerous,
NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK. 161
COPPERHEAD SNAKE.
Venomous Reptiles.— Because of the number of species
of rattlesnakes which have found lodgment in the United
States, and the trouble they have caused in a few localities,
we are specially interested in all serpents which are danger-
ous to man. The species named below represent the deadly
genera which civilized man has most cause to fear.
The Diamond-Back Rattlesnake, (Crotalus adamant eus), is
too handsome, too showy, and too large to be chosen as the
best average type of the genus Crotalus; but he is king of
his kind, and cannot be ignored. Three species shown side
by side in our Reptile House afford striking examples of
protective coloration. The Diamond-Back Rattler of Florida
and the South is yellow, brown, and black, to match the
checkers of sunbeam and shadow that fall upon the sands
under the palmetto leaves.
The most vicious snake in North America, and one of
the ugliest in appearance, is the Water Moccasin, (Ancis-
trodon piscivorus), — closely related to the beautiful Copper-
head, (A. contortrir}. It is more dreaded in the South than
the rattler, because it strikes on the slightest provocation,
and without the rattler's timely warning. Its colors are
dull, its scales rough, its body ill-shaped and clumsy, its
temper is vicious, and for every reason it is a serpent to be
disliked.
162
POPULAR OFFICIAL GUIDE.
COBRA-DE-CA PELLO.
The Harlequin Snake, or Coral Snake, (Elaps fulvius),
represents a genus which contains many species, though but
few of them occur in America.
The King Cobra, (Naja bungaris), from the Malay Penin-
sula, often called Snake-Eating Cobra, is the most dangerous
of all serpents, because it is the largest and the most ath-
letic of the venomous species, and for its bite there is no
effective antidote. It feeds only on living snakes. The fine
specimen exhibited is about ten feet in length, and has
thriven ever since its arrival in 1899.
The Cobra-de-Capello, (Naja tripudians), of which some
fine specimens are shown, is the terror of India, where it
kills between 18,000 and 20,000 people per annum! This
NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK.
163
TRANSFORMATION OP THE FROO.
is the most deadly of all serpents. For its bite, science has
thus far been powerless to find an antidote, although Dr.
Albert Calmette, of Lille, France, experimenting extensively
in this direction, has secured partially successful results.
THE BATRACHIANS, OR AMPHIBIANS.
Among the many wonders of Nature, none is more in-
teresting than those forms which serve to connect the great
groups of vertebrate animals, by bridging over what other-
wise would seem like impassable chasms. For a high ex-
ample, consider the duckbill, or platypus, an Australian
mammal about the size of the muskrat, which stands almost
half Way between the mammals and birds. It lays eggs,
and has a bill and webbed front feet, like a duck.
Between the birds and the reptiles there is a fossil bird,
called the Archaeopteryx, with a long, vertebrated, lizard-
like tail, which is covered with feathers, and the Hesperornis>
164 POPULAR OFFICIAL GUIDE.
a water bird with teeth, but no wings, which inhabited the
shores of the great western lake which has already yielded
to American paleontologists a great number of most remark-
able fossil forms.
Between the reptiles and the fishes, stretches a wonderful
chain of living links by which those two Classes of verte-
brates are so closely and unbrokenly united, and by such
an array of forms, that they constitute an independent Class,
the Batrachia, or Amphibia. In the transition from water
to land, from fins and gills to legs and lungs. Nature has
made some strange combinations. In some instances the
fins, legs, lungs and gills have become so mixed that several
notable misfits have resulted, and in some cases we see gills
and legs going together, while in others lungs and fins are
associated.
The Reptile House contains ten species of Batrachians,
and it is reasonably certain that this number will be main-
tained and increased. They are to be found in small aqua-
rium cases, ranged along the south side and eastern end of
the Main Hall.
The Bullfrog, (Rana catesbiana}, is a fair representative
of the Batrachians which stand nearest to the true land-
going reptiles. During the early stages of its existence it is
in turn, a fin-tailed tadpole with no legs, a short-tailed tad-
pole with a pair of front legs, a shorter-tailed tadpole with
four legs, and finally a fully-developed, land-going frog,
with a voice like a small bull, and no tail whatever. Of the
genus Rana, there are five species in the eastern United
States, several of which inhabit the Zoological Park.
The Wood Frog, (Rana sylvatica), is frequently seen in
moist valleys in the Zoological Park, where its chocolate
brown back so closely matches the color of the dead leaves
and moist earth; it is difficult to find, save when it takes one
of its flying leaps. The specimens shown were taken near
the Beaver Pond.
The Tree Frog, (Hyla pickeringi), is the commonest of
the queer little tree-loving species which are so easy to hear,
and so difficult to find. In spring their voices are the first
to be heard in the swamps. The Zoological Park is full of
Hylas, and their cheerful piping is heard at all seasons,
especially in dry midsummer, when dark storm-clouds
gather and promise rain.
The Common Toad, (Bnfo lentiginosus), is found in the
Zoological Park, though not in such abundance as the two
preceding species.
NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK. 165
The Spotted Salamander, (Salamandra macnlosa], because
of its broad, bright yellow bands and blotches, laid on a
rich, dark-brown body color, is one of the most showy of all
Batrachians. It comes from Europe, and being much prized
in collections, it frequently passes through the hands of
dealers in reptiles. Its skin is very moist and clammy,
which gives the creature the appearance of having been
varnished. This is the creature which is supposed to be
able to withstand fire— a belief which is purely imaginative.
The Tiger Salamander, (Amblystoma tigrinum), and the
Axolotl, (A. mexicana], are widely different creatures from
the preceding. Of the genus to which they belong, the
former is by far the most widely distributed species. It is
found throughout the greater portion of the North Amer-
ican continent, and as far south as Central Mexico. Thir-
teen other species of the genus Amblystoma are found in
North America and Mexico. In the matter of "harmoniz-
ing with environment," the Amblystoma is one of the most
remarkable creatures in existence. In its "larval" stage
(corresponding with the tadpole stage of a frog), this ani-
mal possesses external gills, red and sponge-like in appear-
ance, and its tail has a fin-like edge above and below, like
the tail of an eel.
So long as this larval creature remains in water, its ex-
ternal gills remain and do duty, and the larval stage con-
tinues indefinitely. Remove it from water, or let its home
pool dry up, and, presto ! its gills dry up, its tail loses its
fin-like edges, and the creature goes about on land, breath-
ing air instead of water, with lungs instead of gills. The
Spotted Salamanders exhibited were captured in the Zoolog-
ical Park.
The "Water-Dog," or "Hellbender," (Cryptobranchus
allegheniensis], is a salamander-like amphibian, from 18 to 22
inches long- when adult, found more frequently in Penn-
sylvania than elsewhere. They are said to be very tena-
cious of life, and voracious in their food habits, feeding on
worms, minnows and crayfish, and often taking the hook of
the fisherman in quest of that most repulsive of nil Amer-
ican fishes, the cat-fish. Between cat-fish and water-dog
there would seem to be small choice. Mr. William Frear
offers this testimony in regard to the tenacity of life of this
creature :
"One specimen, about 18 inches in length, which had lain
on the ground exposed to a summer sun for 48 hours, was
brought to the museum, and left lying a day longer before
166 POPULAR OFFICIAL GUIDE.
it was placed in alcohol. The day following, desiring to
note a few points of structure, I removed it from the alcohol
in which it had been completely submerged for at least
20 hours, and had no sooner placed it on the table than it
began to open its big mouth, vigorously sway its tail to and
fro, and give other undoubted signs of vitality."
The Congo Snake, or Amphiuma, (Amphiuma means'), is
a creature which closely resembles a thick-tailed snake.
A close examination, however, discloses a tiny pair of front
legs; and far back, well toward the end of the tail, a small
pair of hind legs appear. These are about as valuable to
the animal as the tiger's clavicle is to him. There are but
two species belonging to this strange genus, both of which
are found in the stagnant waters of our southeastern states.
Still lower than the amphiuma, is The Mud Eel, (Siren laccr-
tina), of the southeastern quarter of the United States,
which possesses small external gills, and only one pair of
legs, which are in front.
The Menobranchus, or Mud Puppy, (Necturus macula tils'].
possesses external gills and four legs, and inhabits many of
the rivers of Ohio, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and also the
Great Lakes and northern New York. It is often taken ir
fishermen's nets.
Access, means of, 4
Bear, hairy-eared. 10ft
Addas naso-maculatus, 28
Himalayan black, 109
Admission, 4
Isabella, 109
Agouti, the, 94
Japanese black, 1 1 1
Aix galericulata, 117
Malay sun, 92, 111
sponsa, 117
peninsula, 107
Alligator, American, 150
polar, 105
Alpaca 42
silver-tip grizzly, 107
Amblystoma tigrinum. 165
sloth. 111
Amphiuma means, 166
Syrian, 109
Amphibians, 163
Yakutat, 106
Anaconda, 160
Bears, list of, 111
Anas boschas, 117
North American, 105
Ancistrodon contortri.T, 161
Beaver, American, 94, 113.
piscivorus, 161
Binturong, 90
Anser albifrons, 119
Birds, 115
anser, 119
American perching, 134
Ant-eater, great, 96.
list of, 135
Antelope, addax, 28
tropical, 133
American prong-horned, 37
Bison, American, 15
Baker's horse, 29
americanus, 15
Baker's roan, 29
European, 17
beatrix, 28
numbers of, 15-18
beisa, 28
Black-buck, 33
duiker, common, 34
Blastoceros campestris, 31
four-horned, 34
paludosus, 31
leucoryx, 28
Blessbok, 29
sable, 28
Bos banasus, 17
sabre, 28
primigenius, 18
sasin, 33
Bradypus tridactytus. 99
small African, 33
Branta canadensis, 118
Anthropoides virgo, 149
Brocket, black-faced, 31
Anthropopithecus calvus, 65
Bubo virginianus, 128
Antidorcas euchore, 34.
Antigone antigone, 148
Bufo lentiginosus, 164
Bullfrog, 164
Antilocapra americana, 37
Burrhel, 21
Antilocapridae, 39
Butea lorealis, 128
Antilope cervicapra, 33
Antlers, formation of, 44
Camel, bactrian, 40
single-humped, 41
Aoudad, 21
Camelus bactrianus, 40
"Ape," Barbary, 67
dromedarius, 41
black, 67
Canis azarae, 91
Aplodontidae, 101
dingo, 92
Ara ararauna, 132
jabatus, 92
macao, 132
latrans, 82
Arctictis binturong, 90
nubilis, 81
Ardea americana, 124
Capybara, 94
herodias, 122
Caribou, woodland, 46
Argusianus argus, 140
Armadillo, nine-banded, 93
Cassowary, Ceram. 145
Castor canadensis, 94
six-banded, 95
Casuarius casuarius, 145
three-banded, 96
Cat, civet, 89
Aspidonectes ferox, 153
jungle, 88
Ass, Persian wild, 50
Malayan civet, 89
Aurochs, 18
margay 89
Aviary, pheasant and pigeon, 136
wild, 89-100
Axis axis, 51
Axolotl, 165
yaguarundl, 89
Catharista «ruba, 128
Aythya americana, 118
valUsnerla, 118
Baboon, golden, 67
hamadryas, 67
Catheturua lathami, 146
Cephalophus grlmmi, 34
Cervicapra, 34
Cervidae, 50
long-armed 67
Cervus canadensis asiaticus, 53
Badger, American, 92
duvauceli, 53
European, 92
eldl, 52
Balearica pavonina, 149
elaphus, 54
Bascanium constrictor, 159
equinus, 53
Batrachians, 163
maral, 54
Bear, Admiralty, 107
moluccensis, 32
black, 108
muntjac, 32
brown, 109
porcinus, 32
cat, 90
grizzly, 107
»ika typicm, 32-53
unicofor. 82-53
167
168
INDEX.
Chamois, 19-22
Cheetah, the, 59
Chelonia, 152
Chelydra serpenlina, 153
Chen hyperborca, 120
Chenopsis atrata, 120
Chevrotain, Malay, 33
Chimpanzee, 65
Cholocpus hoffmani, 09
Clirysemys picta, 153
Chrysolophus amherstiae, 138
pictus, 138
Ctconia ciconia, 122
Cistudo Carolina, 155
Coati-mundi, red, 92
white-nosed, 92
Cobus unctuosus, 29
Cockatoos, 132
Collections, arrangement of, 7
Condor. California, 14(5
Connochaetcs albojubatus, 27
gnu, 26
taurinus, 27
Corvidae, 135
Coscoroba coscoroba, 120
Coyote, 82
Crane, Asiatic white, 148
crowned, 149
demoiselle, 149
paradise, 149
sandhill, 147
sarus, 148
whooping, 147
Crocodile, American, 156
Cuban, 157
Florida, 156
Orinoco, 156
Crocodilus acutus, 156
floridanus, 156
intermedius, 156
rhombifcr, 157
Crotalus adamanteus, 161
Cryptobranchus allegheniensis, 165
Ctenosatira acanthura, 158
Cyclura cornuta, 158
Cygnus buccinator, 120
olor, 120
Cynaclurus jubatus, 59
Cynomys ludovicianus, 102
Dafila acuta, 117
Da ma vulgar is, 52
Damaliscus albifrons, 29
Dasyprocta, 94.
Dasypus sexcinctus, 95
Deer, Asiatic, 50
axis, 51
barasinga, 53
brow-antler, 52
Burmese, 52
Columbian black-tailed, 45
Eld's, 52
European, 50
European Red, 54
fallow, 52
fan-tailed, 46
flag-tailed, 46
hog, 32
horse-tailed, 53
Indian sambar, 53
Japanese sika, 51
Malay sambar, 53
maral, 54
marsh, 31
Molucca, 32
Deer, mouse, 33
mule, 45
muntjac, 32
musk. 33
North American, 42
Osceola's white-tailed ?,1
Pekin sika, 51
rib-faced, 32
Sinaloa, white-tailed, 31
swamp, 53
Virginia, 45-46
white-tailed, 45
Dens, bear, 103
fox, 83
wolf, 80
Dingo, 92
Dog, Australian wild, 92
Azara, 91
hyaena, 90
raccoon, 92
Dromacus novae-hollandiae, 145
Dromedary, 40-41
Duck, canvas-back, 118
mallard, 117
mandarin, 117
pin-tail. 117
red-head. 118
wood. 117
Eagle, bald, 127
bateleur, 146
Edentata, 94
Egret, American, 125
Egretta candidissima, 124
Eland, 20
Elaps fulvius, 162
Elephant, German E. African, 76
Indian, 73
South African, 76
Sudan African, 75
West African. 76
Elephas capensis, 76
cyclotis, 76
indicus, 75
knochenhaucri, 76
oxyotis, 75
Elk, American, 43
Emeu, common. 145
Equus, burcheUi chapmani, 49
burchelli granti, 49
hemionus, 50
onager, 50
pcrsicus, 50
prjevalskii, 48
Ercthizon dorsatus, 94
Eunectes murinus, 160
Eulabia indica, 119
Eutaenia sirtaiis, 160
Felis bengalensis, 88
concoJor, 59
nebulosa, 88
onca, 58
pardalis, 88
pardus, 58
sercal, 88
tigrina, 89
uncia. 59
yaguarondi, 89
Flamingo. American, 121
European, 121
Florida caerulea, 124
Flying Cage, 120
small, 126
Fox, Arctic, 01
black, 83
INDEX.
ion
Fox, cross, 83
Hydranassa tri-calor ruflcoliis, 1 24
gray, 84
l/ydroehaerus capi/bara, 94
kit. 84
red 83
Hi/la pickeringi, 164
silver, 83
lonyicauda, 94
Frog, tree, 164
Ibis, scarlet, 122
wood, 164
white-faced glossy, 122
GalUnae, 137
wood, 122
Gazclla l>cnnetl, 35
Ichneumon, African, 90
dorcas, 35
Ictcridae. 135
Gazelle, dorcas, 35
Iguana, common, 159
Indian, 35
Mexican, 158
Geese, 118
rhinoceros, 158
Gennaeas nycthcmerux, 139
South American, 158
Gibbon, the, 66
Indrl, 72
Gila monster, 159
Jaguar, the, 58
Giraffa camelopardalis, 24
Kangaroo, red, 36
capensis, 24
Kiang, 50
reticulata, 24
Lacerta viridis, 159
Giraffe, five-horned, 24
Lama glama, 41
Nubian, 24
guanacus, 42
Somali, 24
pacos, 42
two-horned, 24
vicunia, 42
Gnu, blue, 27
Lemur, black and white, 72
brindled, 27
ring-tailed, 72
white-bearded, 27
ruffed, 72
white-tailed, 26
Leopard, black, 39
Goat. Persian wild, 19
clouded, 88
Rocky 'Mountain, 19-36
hunting, 59
Goose, African spur-winged, 119
bar-headed, 119
snow, 59
Leporidae, 101
Canada, 118
Lion, mountain, 60
gray-lag, 119
the, 56
white-fronted, 119
Lizard, green, 159
Gorilla savayei, 65
Llama, 41
Grounds, physical aspect of, 9
Grus americana, 147
Lophophorus impeyanus, 141
Lutra canadensis, 85
mexicana, 147
Lycaon pictus, 90
Guanaco, 42
Lynx, bay, 89-100
Gymnogyps californianus, 146
Canada, 99
Gypagus papa, 146
canadensis, 99
Haliactus leucocephalus, 127
Hawk, red-tailed 128
red, 89-100
rufus, 89-100
"Hellbender," 165
rufus maculatus, 89
Heloderma suspectum, 159
spotted, 89
Helotarsus ecaudatus, 146
Macaque, bonneted, 08
Hemitragus jemlaicus, 21
Macaw, blue-and-yellow, 132
Heron, black-crowned night, 124
great green, 132
great blue, 122
red-and-blue, 132
great white, 124
Macrochelys lacertina, 153
little blue. 124
Macropus ruftts, 36
Louisiana, 124
Magot, 67
snowy, 124
Mammals, 14
Herpestes ichneumon, 90
burrowing, 100
Heterodon platyrhinus, 160
egg-laying, 99
Hippopotamus amphibius, 79
miscellaneous, 35
Ilippotragus equinus Itakeri, 29
niger, 28
Horns, formation of, 44
toothless, 94
Mangabey, sooty, 69
white-collared, 69
Horses, Prjevalsky, 48
House, antelope, 23
Markhor, Suleiman, 19
Marmoset, 70
aquatic bird, 125
plnche, 70
camel, 40
Marmot, 102
elephant, 73
Masama tcma, 31
large-bird, 130
Meerkat, slender-tailed, 90
lion, 54
Meleagris gallopavo
llama, 41
si/Jvestrts, 130
ostrich, 142
Meles taxus, 92
primate, 63
Monitor, Australian. 158
puma and lynx, 98
Monkey, black spider, 69
reptile, 151
entellus, 69
•mall-deer, 30
gray spider, 69
small mammal, 87
green, 69
iebra, 47
howling, 09
170
INDEX.
Monkey, Japanese red-faced, 67
mona, 69
patas, —
pig-tailed, 68
red, 69
rhesus, 68
squirrel, 70
vervet, 69
Monkeys, New World, 69
Old World, 67
Monotremata, 99
Moschus moschiferus, 33
Mouflon, 19-21
Motntain beaver, 101
sheep-hill, 18
Mud eel, 166
puppy, 166
Musk-Ox, 19
Myopotamus coypu. 85
Myrmccophaga jubuta, 96
Naja bungaris, 162
tripudians, 162
Nasua narica, 92
rufa, 92
Necturus maculatus, 166
Nettion carolinensis, 117
Nilgai, 29
Nyctea nyctea, 128
Nyctereutes procyonoidcs, 92
Nycticorax nycticorax, 124
Ocelot, 88
Ochotonidae, 101
Odocoileus, 31
columbianus. 45
hemionus, 45
sinaloae, 31
virginianus, 45
virginianus osceola, 31
wiegmanni, 31
Onager, 50
Ophidia, 159
Ophiosaurus ventraUs, 159
Orang utan, 65
Oreatnnos montanus, 36
Oryx Beatrix, 28
leisa, 28
leucoryx, 28
Ostrich, African, 144
Somali, 144
South African, 144
South American, 145
Sudan, 145
Otter, American, 85
pools, 85
Otus aceo, 129
Ounce, 59
Ovibos moschatus, 19
Ovis lurrhel, 21
canadenais, 20
cyclocerot, 21
musimon, 21
tragelaphua, 21
Owl. barred, 128
Florida burrowing, 129
great horned, 128
screech, 129
snowy, 128
Paradoxure, black, 90
Malayan, 90
white-whiskered, 90
paradoxurus hermaphroditus,
leucomystax, 90
niacr 90
Parrot,' Cuban, 132
Passcres, 134
'elecanus erythrorhynchos, 125
occidentalis, 125
'elican, brown, 125
white, 125
'hlogoenas luzonica, 133
^hasianidae, 137
^hasianus colchicus, 140
mongolicus, 140
soemmerringii, 140
torguatus, 140
Pheasant, Amherst, 138
Argus, 140
copper, 140
English, 140
golden, 138
impeyan, 140
Reeve, 139
ring-necked, 140
silver, 139
Soemmerring, 140
heasants, list of, 141
Phoca vitulina, 63
Phoenicopterus roseus, 121
ruber, 121
Pigeon, bleeding-heart, 133
Plectropterus gambensis, 119
Porcupine, African, 93
Canada, 94
Indian crestless, 94
Portax tragocamelus, 29
Prairie dog, western, 102
Primates, classification of, 64
Puma, 60
Python, regal, 160
reticulatus, 160
rock, 160
sebae, 160
Querquedula discors, 117
Raccoon tree, 112
Rana catesbiana, 164
sylvatica, 164
Range, buffalo, 15
Rangifer caribou, 46
granti, 47
osborni, 47
sionei, 47
tarandus, 41
Rat, coypu, 85
Rattlesnake, diamond-backed, 161
Reedbuck, 34
Reindeer, Lapland, 47
Reptiles and amphibians, 151
Reptiles, venomous, 161
Reptilla, "synopsis of, 152
Restaurant, Rocking-stone, 7
Rhea americana, 145
common, 145
Rhinoceros. African
two-horned. 77
bicornis, 76
Indian, 78
unicornis, 78
Rocking stone, 13
Rupicapra tragus, 22
Saki, 69
Salamander, spotted, 165
tiger, 165
Salamandra maculosa, 165
Sapajou, 69
Sarcogreranus leucogeranus, 1411
Seal, harbor, 61
Sea-lions, 60
INDEX.
171
Sea-lions, barking, 61
California, 61
characteristics of, 61
Serpents, 159
Serval, 88
Service building, 7
Sewellel, 101
Sheep, arcal, 19-21
Barbary wild, 21
big-horn, 20
blue mountain, 21
mountain, 18
Sardinian wild, 21
Siren laccrtina, 166
Sloth, three-toed, 99
two-toed, 99
Small deer, 31
Snake, black, 159
Congo, 166
copperhead, 161
coral, 162
garter, 160
glass, 159
harlequin, 162
hog-nosed, 160
Speotyto cunicularia
floridana, 129
Springbuck. 34
Squirrels, list of, 93
Stork, white, 122
Struthio australis, 144
camclus, 145
Suricata tetradactyla, 90
Suricate, 90
Swan, black, 120
Coscoroba, 120
mute, 120
trumpeter, 120
Swift, large-eared, 84
Syrmaticus reevesi, 139
Syrnium varium, 128
Tahr, Himalayan, 19-21
Tamandua, 97
tetradactyla, 97
Tapir, Malay, 80
South American, 80
Tapirus indicus, 80
terrestris, 80
Tatu noremcinctum, 95
Taurotragus oryx, 26
Taxidea americana, 92
Teal, blue-winged, 117
green-winged, 117
Tegu, 158
Tcstudo Carolina, 155
elephantina, 155
nigrita, 155
tabulata, 155
vicina, 155
Tetraceros quadricornis, 34
Tetrapteryx paradisca, 149
Thylacine, 84
Thylacinus cynooephalus, 84
Tiger, the. 57
Toad, common, 164
horned, 158
Tolypeutes tricinctus 96
Tortoise box, 155
elephant, 155
giant, 153
gopher, 155
South American, 155
Tortoises and lizards. 153
Tragulus javanicus, 33
Turkey, brush, 146
wild, 130
Turtle, alligator, 153
painted, 153
snapping, 153
soft-shelled, 153
marine, 153
Ungulates, summary of, 14
Urocyon virginianus, 84
Ursus americanus, 108
arctos, 109
dalli, 106
eulophus, 107
norribiUs, 107
malayanus, 92-111
maritimus, 105
merriami, 107
middendorffi, 107
piscator, 109
syriacus, 109
torquatus, 109
Vet-anus gouldii, 158
Vicunia, 42
Viverra malaccensis 89
zibetha, 89
Vulpes fulvus, 83
fulvus argentatus, 83
fulvus decussatus, 83
lagopus, 91
macrotis, 84
macrotis neomcxicanus 90
velox, 84
Vulture, black, 128
king, 146
Wapiti, 43
Altai, 53
tashkent, 53
Waterbuck, Sing-Sing 29
"Water-Dog," 165
Wichita Forest and Game
Reserve, 17
Wild-fowl pond, 136
Wolf, black, 81
gray, 81
maned, 92
prairie, 81
Tasmanian, 83
white, 81
Yarkee, 69
Zalophus californianus, 61
Zebra, Chapman's, 49
Grant's, 49
Zoological Park, location, 2
means of access, 4
origin, 1
privileges, 2
sources of income, 1
statistics of, x
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